Body of man, 78, found in Tiong Bahru flat

The decomposing body of a 78-year-old man was found in his residential unit at Block 2 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee on Dec. 10 morning.

A neighbour of the deceased told Shin Min Daily News that a resident who lives above the man's unit alerted the police after detecting a strong foul smell emanating from his flat.

According to Shin Min reporters who visited the Housing and Development Board (HDB) block, the smell was even noticeable on the ground floor.

When the reporters arrived at the deceased's unit, they saw around five police officers conducting investigations at the scene.

The flat and its surrounding area had also been cordoned off.

Deceased lived alone: neighbour

A resident of the HDB block, surnamed Huang (transliteration from Chinese), told Shin Min that the deceased used to live with his brother at his unit.

However, the man had lived alone after his brother passed away several years ago, added Huang.

Huang also said the man suffered from high blood pressure and had issues with his eyes.

Other than that, the man was generally healthy and had no issues buying coffee and food on his own, albeit walking at a slower pace, recounted Huang.

Last saw deceased on Dec. 6

According to Huang, the last time he saw the deceased was Dec. 6, four days before the man's body was found, reported Shin Min.

"Previously, I often brought him letters and showed them to him. However, when I knocked on his door last Friday, no one answered," recounted Huang.

At the time, Huang did not think too much of it, as he thought the deceased might have gone to a hospital for his health conditions.

"I also asked his other neighbours, and they all said they did not see him for a few days," said Huang.

Police statement

In response to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed they were alerted to a case of unnatural death at around 10am on Dec. 10.

The man was found lying motionless in a residential unit and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Based on preliminary investigations, police do not suspect foul play.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Top images via Shin Min Daily News & Google Maps