A homeless man in his 40s was found dead at a hostel in Swindon town centre last week.
Police officers were called to Culvery Court at 1pm on Tuesday 6 November, where Mark Paton’s lifeless body was found by members of staff at the Sanctuary-owned establishment.
A source told Wiltshire 999s that staff knocked on the door of his room ‘a number of times’ over an approximate 24-hour period but didn’t enter the room using force to check he was safe.
While Sanctuary Supported Living wouldn’t comment on the exact circumstances of Mark’s death, they defended their decision not to enter his room.
“While it would not be right for us to discuss the specific details, we are comfortable that the actions of our staff were appropriate in this case”, operations director Sara Keetley said.
“We are saddened by Mr Paton’s death and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time”, she added.
Wiltshire Police has confirmed that they attended the sudden death on 6 November.
A spokesperson commented: “His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been prepared for HM Coroner. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
