Key Points
- Police in Bolton have issued a public appeal to locate the relatives of a 70-year-old man found deceased in his home.
- The man, named Robert Alton, was discovered dead in his flat on Hemsworth Road.
- His remains were found after a council landlord forced entry during a gas safety check.
- The man is believed to have died in May 2017, but his body was only found in March 2023.
- Despite his death, his rent continued to be paid automatically through housing benefits.
- Police have stated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
- The discovery followed several unsuccessful visits and attempts by the social landlord to contact the occupant.
- Post and council tax arrears accrued during the years went unnoticed.
- Police and neighbours confirmed no one had seen Robert Alton for at least five years prior to the discovery.
- The body was found in a skeletal condition on the first-floor stairs of the flat.
- Police urge anyone who knows his family or relatives to come forward.
What Happened in the Bolton Case of the 70-Year-Old Man Found Dead?
As reported by The Bolton News, Robert Alton, a 70-year-old retired bookkeeper, was found dead in his flat on Hemsworth Road, Bolton, months after his passing. The discovery was made after Bolton at Home, the social landlord, forced entry in March 2023 to carry out a mandated gas check. Despite his death, his housing benefit payments continued, masking the fact that he had not been seen or heard from for several years. The body was found in a state described as skeletal, situated at the top of the stairs inside the first-floor flat. Police have confirmed that the circumstances of his death are not considered suspicious, following investigations by Detective Sergeant Dominic Beaver of Greater Manchester Police.
Why Was Robert Alton’s Death Not Discovered Sooner?
According to The Bolton News, despite at least ten attempts by the housing association Bolton at Home to make contact and perform visits, there was no response from the occupant over several years. Rent was consistently paid via housing benefits, which likely led to the assumption that everything was in order. The accumulation of post, reaching about 50cm high, and council tax arrears piling up over six years went unnoticed, allowing the situation to remain concealed. Neighbours corroborated that they had not seen Mr. Alton for at least five years before the grim discovery in 2023.
What Did the Police Say About This Case?
Detective Sergeant Dominic Beaver of Greater Manchester Police told The Bolton News that “There were no suspicious circumstances,” concluding that the death did not involve any foul play. He urged anyone who knows the family or has information about Robert Alton’s relatives to contact the police to assist in concluding the case respectfully. The official police statement highlighted the unusual nature of the case, especially given the extended period between the death and the discovery of the body.
How Has the Community Reacted to This Incident?
Neighbours and local community members expressed shock and sadness upon hearing about Mr. Alton’s death and the prolonged period before it was discovered. Many were unaware of his situation, and some were concerned about how anti-social or isolated individuals could fall through the cracks unnoticed for years. This case has brought to light the challenges faced in social housing and community welfare monitoring.
What Are the Next Steps for Authorities?
Greater Manchester Police and Bolton at Home are continuing their efforts to establish contact with the deceased’s surviving relatives. They ask the public to come forward with any information that might help reunite family members with essential updates or closure. The case has also sparked discussion over the procedures regarding welfare checks in social housing to prevent similar occurrences in the future.