AN APPEAL has been launched to find family members of a York man who has died.

Stephen Hall, believed to be in his forties, was found dead at an address in York earlier this month.

His friend David Petherick, of Scarcroft Hill, said Mr Hall had never spoken at length about his family, but he understood he had relatives in York and North Yorkshire.

Mr Petherick said: “He was a friend to the family and a decent guy, and very fond of his dog, called Sox. We tried to help him out with cash occasionally, in return he would do jobs for us and did quite a bit of work for me renovating a house.

“The funeral has been organised by the city under the national assistance act but they want to get on with it and to do that they need to arrange a date and I’m keen that his family have the opportunity to attend.”

Mr Petherick said he believed Mr Hall had a history of depression, and had known him for several years. He said Mr Hall lived for a time at Station House in Naburn.

Mr Petherick said: “He always said Christmas is a really bad time for him. He was born in Jarrow and I think his father had a carpentry business in Leeds.

“His mother and sister live in the vicinity of York, I think one of the villages on the outskirts, and I believe he has a brother in Harrogate.”

Mr Petherick said: “It’s very sad and it’s only fair his family should have the chance to say goodbye. The crematorium want me and my wife to set a date, but we want to make sure his family have a chance to have notice of the event and attend.”

Anyone with information should phone Mr Petherick on 01904 656507.