THE mysterious death of a man in Aberdeen city centre was being investigated by detectives last night.
The grim discovery was made in the communal hallway of a block of flats in the George Street area.
Local councillors described the death as a tragic start to the new year.
Paramedics were called to the property at about 9am yesterday and alerted police after finding the man in the hallway.
Throughout the day, police officers stood guard outside the flat in Charlotte Street, while an incident van and mobile support unit were also stationed nearby.
Blue police tape sealed off the property and forensic officers wearing white suits could be seen going in and out accompanied by plain-clothed detectives.
The cause of the man’s death is being treated as unexplained and officers were working last night to trace his next of kin.
A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that at about 9am on Wednesday, January 1, officers attended the communal lobby of 58 Charlotte Street, Aberdeen, in response to a report from the Scottish Ambulance Service of a deceased adult male being found there.
“At the present time the death is being treated as unexplained and a full investigation regarding the circumstances is under way.
“A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”
It is understood, however, that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Neighbours said they had not seen anything and were surprised to see the police on their street as they woke up after enjoying the Hogmanay festivities in the city centre. Staff at a nearby shop and bookies also expressed their shock.
Local councillor Andrew May, who represents the George Street area, said it was tragic news for a family to start 2014 with.
“It is highly unusual for anyone in that area not to have some close family,” he said.
“His family now have to deal with this and the last thing anyone wants to wake up to on New Year’s Day is the news that a family member has died.
“This is an unhappy situation and it seems to have a particular poignancy at this time of year.”
Rosemount councillor Bill Cormie added: “It is always sad for something like this to happen, but it is particularly bad at this time of year.
“This is a tragic start to the New Year and I hope that the police and all other parties manage to bring this to a swift conclusion.”
A police officer remained at the scene last night, guarding the iron gate into the garden, while others continued to go in and out of the six-flat block.
One young woman, who recently moved into Charlotte Street, said she was surprised to see the police presence as she left for work yesterday.
She said: “I just moved to Aberdeen two months ago and I’m completely shocked and slightly scared to hear a dead body has been found a few doors down from where I live.
“It does make me worry about security and also question whether enough is done to ensure the city centre is safe.
“The police forensics unit has been on the street all day, which made me wonder if something suspicious had happened.” Last month, police were called to an address on Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, after a man was found dead in his home.
It is believed Frank Horne, who was in his 60s, had lain dead for a month before being found.