A Scottish council has said it is supporting the police in their investigations after the body of Michael Stewart was locked into his apartment in Aberdeen.

Mr Stewart’s mother Jane Grant reported her son missing on 7 January after her other son David said he had not seen him for several weeks.

Council workers carried out a welfare check on Mr Stewart and padlocked his apartment, apparently unaware that his body was inside.

The 32-year-old, who suffered from epilepsy, was not found until police broke into his flat on 8 March.

The cause of death has not been confirmed but it is not being treated as suspicious.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: ‘We have spoken to the family of Michael Stewart and our thoughts remain with all those affected by his death.

‘A report has been submitted by Police Scotland to the Procurator Fiscal and Aberdeen City Council has supported police in their investigations.

‘We have carried out a review of the council’s actions and can confirm the property was locked in February following an insecure external door being reported.

‘We are committed to updating our procedures in relation to securing properties that are believed to be vacant.’