Burnt cooking leads to body

Police discovered the body of a 43-year-old beneficiary inside a house after neighbours smelt burning food.

The smell of burning food has led to the discovery of a body at a Masterton property.

Police were called to Miriam St after being alerted by neighbours who noticed the smell of burning food coming from the house on Tuesday morning.

Police discovered the body of the 43-year-old beneficiary inside the house, but the death was not believed to be suspicious, or a suspected suicide, Senior Sergeant Mike Sutton said.

"He was last seen last night by the neighbours who became concerned about him this morning.

"It looks like he's passed away while cooking and the smell has alerted them."

It was unclear if the man had medical problems but a post mortem was expected to be completed soon, Mr Sutton said.

The death has been referred to the coroner.