A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following a suspicious death in Colchester.
Tom Sadler-Smith, 26, was discovered by police in his flat in St Andrew’s Avenue, shortly after 8pm on July 1, after paramedics were called.
A man, 28, from Colchester, was arrested yesterday and bailed without charge until Saturday, September 8.
A post-mortem was also carried out yesterday, but no cause of death has been released.
Further tests are being conducted to ascertain the cause.
Tom’s dad, Neil Sadler-Smith, said: “I was told about the arrest yesterday.
“The police have been excellent. They have done everything I could have asked of them.
“Obviously, they are limited in what they can tell even me, until they have evidence from the coroner’s report.’’ Mr Sadler-Smith added: “It’s very distressing for us. His mum is in bits and we are in limbo.
“We know it’s going to take some time.”
Mr Sadler-Smith said he had never heard his son mention the suspect and denied rumours Tom was involved in drugs.
He said: “Tom liked a drink. He would buy a few cans from the shop and watch his videos.
“He was saving to get his own place and never gave us any problem. He was a quiet lad.
“If he was doing drugs, I am certainly the last to know.
“He didn’t even smoke.”
Roofer Tom was a former pupil at Eight Ash Green Primary and Philip Morant School, Colchester.
He was a successful swimmer and cross-country runner when younger.
Since his death, Tom’s Facebook page has been deluged with tributes.
No date has yet been set for the funeral.
Mr Sadler-Smith said he expected the coroner’s initial report to take at least five weeks.
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