Man in his 80s found dead in Derry named locally

The man whose body was found at his home in Londonderry two days ago has been named locally as Noel O’Sullivan.

He was in his eighties and a retired orthodontist.

Police said they went to a house in the Culmore Road on Wednesday evening following a report of a sudden death.

A man in his 50s was arrested in connection with the investigation.

Detectives have been granted a 36 hour extension by a court in relation to the man who was detained.

Police said a post-mortem examination was carried but the results were "inconclusive" and further tests will be required to determine precisely how the man died.

Police are maintaining a presence at the scene.

'Just a lovely guy'

A neighbour said the entire community was in shock at the death.

Eddie Mahon, who lives on Culmore Road, said Mr O’Sullivan was well known and highly respected.

Mr Mahon said: “When we realised what had happened it was absolutely devastating for all of us here in this area".

"There are six houses here and all of us would know each other and be friendly with each other. But we don’t live in each other’s pockets, we’re there if we’re needed," he told BBC News NI.

"Its just a terrific place to live and everybody’s just devastated,” he added.

He said Mr O’Sullivan was a kind and generous man and often brought his bin in.

Mr Mahon continued: “Noel was a very nice man. He and his wife were very friendly and always there if you needed him. Just a lovely guy you know, just a great man."

Eddie Mahon says it has been devastating for everyone who lives in the area

'Huge shock'

The SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has been in contact with the family and spoken to neighbours on the Culmore Road.

He said Mr O’ Sullivan was someone who was "highly respected across the city".

"He had a very long career in his chosen field and was well known to many," he added.

Mr Durkan said when he spoke to neighbours on Wednesday there was shock and sadness at the news.