A PROPERTY factor has been forced to apologise after it waited two days to investigate the “smell of a dead body” in a Glasgow high rise – leaving a man to lie deceased in his home.
The alarm was raised by a homeowner who contacted YourPlace – the Wheatley Group’s property management agency for those with bought homes within housing association buildings – around 8pm on Saturday, September 19.
The individual told of a foul odour which had been present in her home for the past few days and was becoming steadily worse.
It’s understood she explained how she thought it resembled the “smell of a dead body”.
A source revealed the operator insisted the group would not be able to investigate until Monday morning.
YourPlace failed to follow up the call on Sunday, leaving residents puzzled about the stench.
Glasgow Housing Association officers, who are also part of the Wheatley Group, are understood to have knocked on doors within the high rise on Monday morning to alert tenants to the presence of police.
A source said those living in the block were told “not to be alarmed” by any “banging” as officers were checking on the welfare of their neighbour.
As previously reported, police were called to the property within 11 Tinwald Path in Hillington around 10.30am on Monday, September 21 – more than 24 hours after the alarm was raised.
The body of a 70-year-old man was discovered within his home.
It is not known how long he was deceased prior to the discovery being made.
His death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.
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An eye witness told the Glasgow Times around six police officers responded to the call and a number were seen kitted out in forensic uniforms.
They remained on the scene until later that afternoon.
The seven-storey building is home to hundreds of people, including a mix of privately owned and social housing.
Residents have paid tribute to the “lovely” man, who has not been named by police.
A source described him as a “lovely, gentle soul” who was “always smiling”.
Neighbours in the block said it was unusual not to see the man around prior to coronavirus restrictions coming in back in March.
It’s understood those living in the block have been left shaken by his death and “very upset” knowing he went undiscovered for so long.
A YourPlace spokesman said: “We received a call just before 8pm on September 19 from a homeowner in Tinwald Path, alerting us to the presence of a smell in her dining room.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t appreciate the circumstances until Monday morning when staff came on shift.
“We apologise for any distress caused.”
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