TWO people have been arrested after a man was found dead at a house in York today.

Police were called to Jubilee Terrace just before 5.30am by paramedics responding to an emergency call. Despite the efforts of paramedics, a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Throughout the morning, forensic officers and police dog units were at the scene. Several items including a rucksack were taken from the property by police, and fingerprints were taken from the front door of the house.

Mark Jackson, a taxi driver with Yorcab, was working the late shift in the company offices near the house when there was a knock at the door just after 5am.

Mr Jackson, who was preparing for a pick-up in Poppleton, said: "I was just about to leave and heard a thumping on the front door. You're always wary at that time in the morning, but I opened the door and it was a lad from a couple of doors down. He said 'can you phone me an ambulance'. I asked if it was an emergency and he said 'yes'.

North Yorkshire Police said a 50-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman had been arrested in connection with the investigation into the man's death, but a spokesman would not confirm the details of their arrests. They remain in police custody.

Gloria Hayes, who lives near the terraced house - which The Press understands contains two flats - said she was shocked to hear what had happened.

Mrs Hayes said: "My son came in this morning from work and said the police were at the terraced houses. The police haven't said anything to us. It's a shock to hear someone has died.

"I have lived here six years and there's always a trauma down here. A lot of drugs in this area, people getting their cars smashed in, windows and doors. We have police down here every few weeks. It will go quiet for a bit and start again."

The police spokesman said: "Enquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to phone 101, email yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.