AN ELDERLY man is believed to have been dead in his Hereford home for up to three days before being found by police.

Officers responding to concerns from neighbours forced a way into the Westfaling Street address late last night (Tues).

The 83-year-old - who lived alone - was dead in his bathroom.

A police guard was put on the address overnight but any possibility of suspicious circumstances was ruled out this morning (Wed).

Detective Inspector Martyn Barnes said a heart attack appeared the likely cause of death.

Confirmation will come from a post mortem.

Receipts found at the address suggested the man was alive on Saturday (December 27) and went into Hereford city centre.

But, so far, there are no definitive sightings of him beyond that date.

"We have to consider the possibility that he has been dead at the address for up to three days," said DI Barnes.

Work is underway to trace relatives of the man.