Emergency crew find Matthew Allen dead in suspected helium case

Published: 14 October, 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

A MAN is believed to have gassed himself to death with helium at his flat in Kentish Town.

He has been named at St Pancras Coroner’s Court as Matthew Allen, who was in his 50s.

Neighbours said Mr Allen had recently been diagnosed with cancer, and believe he chose to end his life because he could “no longer stand the pain”.

Police and paramedics dressed in chemical bio-hazard suits were called to the flat in Lady Somerset Road on Sunday evening. Police said the death was not suspicious and they are treating it as “unexplained”.

It is understood neighbours alerted officers after becoming worried that they had not seen him for a few days. 

A neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I didn’t know him personally, but I’m told he was finding it extremely difficult coping with cancer.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Police were called at approx 18:30 hours on Sunday 10 October, to an address on Lady Somerset Road following concerns for the welfare of the resident at the property. Officers and LAS (London Ambulance Service) attended and found a man, believed aged in his 50s. 

“Life was pronounced extinct at the scene. Next of kin have been informed.”

A spokeswoman for the London Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 8.40pm on Sunday to reports of an incident in Lady Somerset Road.

“We sent one ambulance crew, a duty officer and a hazardous area response team to the scene but sadly one patient was already dead at the scene.”

An inquest into Mr Allen’s death was expected to be opened and adjourned today (Thursday), while police continue with their investigations.