A tenant was found hanged from a balcony on the day of his eviction by the council.

A county court bailiff and Brighton and Hove City Council staff went to Kingfisher Court in Albourne Close in Whitehawk, Brighton, to evict Richard Perkins last week.

When they arrived there was no response at the door and they believed the property was empty. But after going inside they found the 63-year-old’s body.

Paramedics and police were called and arrived at the flats shortly after noon on Thursday last week, but Mr Perkins was later declared dead.

In a statement, the police said: “At 12.10pm officers were called to a flat at Kingfisher Court in Albourne Close after concern for the health of a man in his sixties living there.

“Despite the efforts of ambulance crew and police, he was confirmed dead just under an hour later.”

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious, and handed over a file to the coroner.

The coroner’s office confirmed an inquest was opened.

It said Mr Perkins was found on the balcony on the seventh floor of the tower block.

It is understood that he had lived at the property for more than 20 years, but his co-tenant moved out of the property in February.

The council therefore decided to end the tenancy.

In a statement, the council has offered its condolences to Mr Perkins’ family and friends.

It read: “Council staff and the county court bailiff went to the property on Thursday to carry out an eviction and knocked on the door.

“But there was no reply nor any signs that Richard was in the property.

“However, when staff entered the property they found Richard’s body. The ambulance, police and coroner were called and attended.

“Richard’s co-tenant moved out of the property in February and in doing so ended the tenancy.

“We then began trying to assist Richard to find alternative accommodation and allowed him to stay in the property longer to help him.

“We had been in communication with Richard throughout and had let him know we would have to take back the property.

“We also sent notice of the possession date, but Richard did not reply and had stopped engaging with us.

“This is a tragic case and our deepest sympathies are with Richard’s family and friends.

“It has deeply shocked and saddened everyone involved.”

Mr Perkins’ inquest will resume on Monday, August 20.