A woman has been found dead after neighbours compared her living conditions to a ‘swamp.’
An emergency housing officer attended her flat at the Talbard Gardens Estate, in London, on January 6.
It’s not yet known how long the woman’s body had been undiscovered in the flat.
The Southwark News reports that neighbours had raised the alarm and complained of leaks from the woman’s property.
Jeffrey Boachie-Frimpong, 35, lives below and knocked on her door early last year.
He told the Southwark News: ’I was greeted by a lady who was extremely distraught and explained her leak had been ongoing for many months previously… she was living in what seemed to be a dirty swamp.’
His wife, who did not wish to be named, told the newspaper they had made efforts to have the woman rehoused.
Repair teams from Southwark Council had attended to fix leaks in neighbouring properties and had been actively trying to contact the tenant prior to her death.
Councillor Darren Merrill, cabinet member for council homes and homelessness, told Metro.co.uk: ‘I am incredibly saddened that a woman has been found dead in one of our council properties, and extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
‘We are supporting the police in establishing the exact circumstances, and thoroughly checking all records the council holds in relation to this property and the tenant.
‘I know this is an extremely upsetting situation for people living in the block, and I want to reassure them that we will offer as much support as we can.’
The Met Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson from the force told Metro.co.uk: ‘Police were called at 10.18pm on Friday, 6 January after a woman’s body was found at a residential property in Newcomen Street.
‘Officers attended. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
‘The death was investigated and found to be not suspicious.’
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
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