A PENSIONER was found dead in his bed after neighbours grew worried about where he was.

Ian Bennett had not been seen for two weeks before the police were called to his home in Lichfield Court, Whitehawk.

Police found him naked, with the window of his flat still open and said the room was very cold.

An inquest into the 78-year-old’s death was opened by Coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley.

She has made an appeal for any family members or friends to come forward, as Mr Bennett’s next of kin are not known.

Coroner’s officer Claire Rogers said Mr Bennett’s marital status is unknown. He was found on December 28.

Meanwhile Brighton and Hove city pathologist Dr David Wright gave a provisional cause of death as hypothermia.

Ms Hamilton-Deeley said there appeared to be an “element of self neglect” and said he was reclusive.

She has asked for a GP report and said: “He doesn’t seem to have had any relatives that we can find at the moment.”