An inquest into the sudden death of a 65-year-old Laxey man was opened on Wednesday.

Arthur Archer, who was a retired Ministry of Defence officer born in Middlesex, was found with no signs of life in his property Lily Cottage, Queen’s Terrace.

The date of death is thought to be between February 26 and March 1. His body was found lying by the side of a bed in the cottage by a relative. Medication and a note had also found beside the bed.

During the opening inquest, it was announced that Mr Archer had suffered from diabetes and heart disease.

Coroner of inquests John Needham confirmed that investigations were ongoing, as the ’medical cause is yet to be established’ and later asked for the body to be released for funeral arrangements.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Mr Needham has also asked for his sincere condolences to be passed on to Mr Archer’s family members.