Residents have expressed their shock and sadness following a sudden death on a town's high street.

Police were called to High Street, in Lowestoft just after 6pm following reports a man's body had been discovered inside the property.

The man, who was aged in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene and an investigation has been launched.

The death is being treated as unexplained at this time, but it is not believed to be suspicious.

Onlookers said multiple emergency service vehicles flooded the shopping area.

Mark Flack, who owns Piece of Cake on the High Street, claimed he saw two ambulances, two police cars, a paramedic and a forensics vehicle outside his store.

The business owner, who also lives next door to the dead man, said: "It is unfortunate, he seemed a decent enough chap. We would nod our heads and say hi as he walked past.

"It is unfortunate when someone loses their life," he added, "It is unfortunate to the area - it is not nice to see half a dozen emergency service vehicles outside of your business and where you live."

Another business owner, who runs the barber on High Street, said: "There were police and paramedics everywhere. "He used to walk past here all the time - he seemed decent, then I heard he had died - it is such a shame. I didn't know him, but I had cut his hair a couple of times."

Robert Leather, 68, who lives in the area, described the sudden death as "shocking".

"I had heard about it but I didn't know who he was. I had seen him walking around Lowestoft. It is shocking and sad it has happened - 40s is too young.

"It is not until someone else dies you feel your own mortality," he said.

Anybody with information is asked to contact police quoting crime reference number 68634/19.

Witnesses are urged visit the Suffolk police website or email EastCID@suffolk.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact crimestoppers via their online form or phone 101.