POLICE worked for hours in a York street to investigate the mysterious death of a man found collapsed there.

Scenes of crime officers cordoned off Hope Street, off Walmgate, and put a tent over the spot where the man was found yesterday.

They spent the afternoon combing the street for clues about the unexplained death, before announcing last night that they did not believe it was suspicious.

Detectives were today appealing for the public to come forward as they have been unable to identify the dead man.

Police officers were called to Hope Street yesterday afternoon after a passing car driver discovered the man lying on the pavement and raised the alarm.

Ambulance crews said a man aged about 50 had collapsed, apparently due to a cardiac arrest.

Detective Inspector Steve Maude said a post-mortem had revealed he died of natural causes and they were not treating it as suspicious.

But he said they still did not know who he was.

The man is described as white, 5ft 7in tall, of medium-build with greying medium length hair in a brushed- back style. He had distinctive brown eyebrows, wore dentures and was missing the big toe on his right foot.

He was wearing a gold ring on his wedding finger, a blue shirt, anorak and black ankle boots.

It is possible he owned a Ford car.

Anyone with information should phone York police on 01904 631321.

Several uniformed officers guarded the scene well into the evening as scenes-of-crime officers examined the ground under the tent.

Meanwhile, police are appealing for help after a 32-year-old man was found dead in his home in North Yorkshire.

Roy Walker was found in the upstairs room of his home in Norby Estate, Thirsk, at 2.40pm on Thursday by police officers who were called to the address.

A post mortem examination was due to take place today.

Police are now trying to piece together Mr Walker's movements in the hours leading up to 2.40pm and officers would like to talk to anyone who spoke to him after 11am on Thursday, particularly a woman with long hair who was with Mr Walker near his home at about 2pm.

Updated: 10:27 Saturday, October 16, 2004