SHOCKED residents have spoken out after a man was found dead in a Bridport flat.

Emergency services were called to Whetham House, next to the Borough Gardens, on Sunday night to reports man had been found dead.

The man has been named locally as Nigel Pope Simmonds - while a man was arrested on drugs offences in relation to the death.

Insp Make Darby from Bridport police, said: “We were called to a flat in Gundry Lane on Sunday evening where a 59-year-old man was pronounced dead by ambulance after they had been called there by other people in the flat.

“We are treating this as a drug-related death and it is now with the coroner we are awaiting post mortem results.

“A 30-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the incident on suspicion of supplying drugs and is currently on bail pending further enquiries.”

A spokesperson from South West Ambulance Service said: “We were called to Gundry Lane at 9.52pm on Sunday.

“One male casualty was found unconscious at the scene. We attended and confirmed that he was dead.”

Local residents have spoken out after hearing of the death.

A Whetham House resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We didn’t realise anything was happening until we noticed all the flashing blue lights and people going in and out of the building.

“I heard someone had died – something to do with drugs. I didn’t know the poor guy, but the police were here for quite a while.

“Things like this seem to be happening more and more. They had the police and ambulance service here, but I think it was too late for him.”

Gundry Lane resident Anna Green said: “We saw the police and ambulance on Sunday but I didn’t realise someone had died.

“It’s quite shocking – but every town has problems with drugs, even Bridport. I know there are a few disadvantaged people around – but you don’t expect the police to be called out because someone has died.

“You have to feel for the poor man’s family. They must be devastated for it all to end like this.”

Duncan Culkin said: “It’s unbelievable really that so many horrible things seem to be happening in the town.

“I guess some people don’t seem to get the help they need and this is sadly what can happen. It’s devastating really.”

Bridport Mayor Maggie Ray said: “It is sad that someone’s life should end this way.”