Residents evacuated after two unexplained deaths

Police say two men in the area died suddenly without explanation days apart

Residents have been evacuated from properties adjoining homes where two men were found dead.

North Yorkshire Police said officers were called to Gatesgarth Close in Scarborough following the death of a 69-year-old man on Monday.

They said concerns were raised as the death followed a similar incident on 21 May when a man, 49, was found dead in an adjoining property.

Police said both deaths were being treated as unexplained but, as a precautionary measure, two adjoining properties had been evacuated and the residents were being provided with alternative accommodation.

A police spokesperson said a scene guard and cordon remained in place while a full search and examination of the property was carried out, along with tests to determine the presence of any environmental factors that may have contributed to the men's deaths.

Tests are also due to be carried out to help determine the cause of their deaths.

The spokesperson said people might notice officers in full protective clothing and specialist equipment at the scene.

"This is a precautionary measure until we know more about how the men died," they said.

They said officers did not believe there was a risk to the wider community.

"The occupants of the homes in close proximity to the deceased's homes remain in alternative accommodation as a precaution while we work to establish how the men died," they added.

The two men's families were being supported by officers and police thanked residents in the area for their "patience and understanding".

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