Forensic tests under way on Inverness flat body

FORENSIC tests are under way in a bid to confirm the identity of a decomposing body which has lain in a flat in Inverness for up to 10 days.

Police Scotland said emergency services were called to the scene and they are working to notify family members. Picture: TSPL

Police were called to the property at Culduthel Park in the city after a neighbour reported an unpleasant smell.

The flat’s occupant, named locally as 33-year-old Francis Gardiner, had not been seen for around 10 days.

Officers had to force entry to the flat after getting no answer and made the grim discovery.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are conducting enquiries into the death of a 33 year-old man at a flat in Culduthel Park, Inverness, which was reported on Monday.

“The death is being treated as unexplained at this time and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Anyone with information regarding this death is asked to contact police on 101.”

He added: “The name of the deceased cannot be released at this stage. Forensic tests are underway to assist in confirming their identity.”