POLICE believe an 18-year-old found dead outside his home in Widmore Road was the victim of a tragic accident.
The man, who is not being named until the inquest into his death is opened, was found by his father at the back of his flat last Friday. His body had been there for more than a day.
It appears he may have fallen while trying to climb to a window after locking his keys in the flat. It is thought he fell only 9ft to 10ft but hit his head on concrete. A post mortem examination revealed he has a severe fracture to the skull.
Initially police treated the death as suspicious but Detective Inspector Neil Smith now believes it was an accident.
Det Insp Smith said: "We now believe this incident to be a tragic accident and have handed all the details to the coroner.
"The man seems to have fallen and hit his head while trying to climb into his flat through the window to get to his keys."
An inquest will be opened at Croydon Coroner's Court tomorrow.
December 19, 2001 11:30
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article