The body of a 68-year-old man was found behind ceiling-high piles of items inside his flat in Bedok North.

But more than 10 loads of clutter had to be cleared in order to get to it, Lianhe Zaobao reported.

The man's death was first reported on Saturday night (Sep. 28), at Block 519, Bedok North Avenue 1.

Flat filled with clutter all the way to ceiling

A neighbour who wished to remain anonymous told Zaobao that when personnel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) arrived at the flat, they forced open the door, but found the house to be extremely cluttered.

Hoarded items had filled it right up to the ceiling, and all the way to the inner areas of the flat as well.

The stuff included plastic containers, plastic bags, cardboard, and various types of furniture, Zaobao reported.

Officers could only reach the man's decomposing body after clearing the clutter — 10 huge piles of it — which town council cleaners assisted with removing over a two-hour period.

Neighbour had not seen him for last two weeks

A 50-year-old neighbour surnamed Chen told Zaobao that the man would often bring "trash" back home, and the town council would send someone over every week to clear the clutter he hoarded.

But Chen reportedly said he had not seen the man for the last two weeks, and had not seen any trash accumulated outside his flat during that time, which he found strange.

He as well as other neighbours reportedly started noticing a strange smell coming from the flat since the previous morning.

By nighttime, however, the smell had intensified further.

That was when they notified the police.

Cause of death unknown at the moment

According to Zaobao, the man allegedly had diabetes and high blood pressure before he passed away.

A neighbour had also told Zaobao the man had appeared a lot thinner about a year ago, but was unsure why he passed away.

Mothership confirmed with the police that a 68-year old man was found motionless within the flat, and that he was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

Police is currently investigating this case of unnatural death.

Here's the police statement in full:

"On 28 September 2019 at 9.17pm, the Police were alerted to a case of unnatural death at Blk 519 Bedok North Avenue 1. A 68-year-old man was found motionless and was pronounced dead by paramedics at scene. Police investigations are ongoing."

Top image adapted via Lianhe Zaobao & SRX