A 42-year-old man was found dead in his bed at the Salvation Army's transitional living facility yesterday afternoon.

Gary Grant who had successfully completed the Harbour Nights addiction treatment programme is believed to have died from natural causes.

Although foul play was not suspected the Police were still investigating the scene in North Street, Pembroke, last night.

Major Douglas Lewis, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, said: "Gary had not been seen since yesterday (Saturday) so we're not sure whether he passed yesterday or today.

"He was found in his bedroom when his friends came looking for him. I've no idea what caused him to pass the forensics people are now looking for that and there is a doctor there but at this point it appears natural causes.

"Gary was one of our success stories as far as Harbour Lights is concerned. He worked on the pumps at Radnor Road gas station. He enjoyed music and looked after co-ordinating a choir at Harbour Lights when he was there.

"He was jovial and fun-loving and he was working on his weight. He was quite a heavy-set gentleman (but) he was working out at the Harbour Lights gym."

Major Lewis said the life skills programme Mr. Grant was participating in followed on from successful completion of Harbour Lights. Clients are offered counselling and assisted with finding employment and affordable housing.

Five other residents shared the facility with him, each with their own private room. They were offered counselling last night to deal with the shock news.

The Police were called to the scene around 5 p.m, with forensics officers donning white suits to head into the building around 6.15 p.m. Mr. Grant's shocked friends and family members including his mother, sister and fiancee gathered outside.

His relatives were too upset to speak of their loss last night. However, a 48-year-old man living at the neighbouring Salvation Army shelter, who had known Mr. Grant for many years, said: "He was dedicated to his work he used to work on the trash truck when I knew him. I saw him at the beginning of last week and asked him how he was doing, and he said he was doing alright. It's a shock to us."

The man, who declined to give his name, said Mr. Grant grew up in the Middletown area of Pembroke.

A Police spokesman confirmed an investigation had been launched but said no further information was available last night.