A DISABLED man was crushed by financial pressure in the weeks before his death, according to a friend.

Denis Jones, aged 58, was discovered at his Tarleton Avenue home, in Atherton, on December 1 after a friend became concerned about him after not seeing him for several days and called the police.

The death was recorded as due to natural causes but James McIntyre, a close friend, wants others to know that they are not alone in struggling to make ends meet.

He said: “Denis was like an uncle to my children and to see him suffering was horrendous. His benefits were cut five weeks before he died because he had returned a form late.

“He had served in the armed forces and worked his entire life until he became ill.

“He was dependent upon income support and without it he couldn’t heat his home or pay his electricity bill. He became dependent on food parcels and the generosity of friends but he was crushed under the pressure of it all.

“He tried to sort it out but he didn’t really know what to do and he didn’t own a computer so it is not easy when everything is online nowadays.

“It just seems like the cuts are starting to hit everyone really hard and as it gets into winter it is going to start affecting more and more people.”

Denis had worked as a bouncer in Oldham before moving to the area 20 years ago. He struggled to find work and as his health deteriorated he became dependent on benefits.

Mr McIntyre said: “He was hit by the bedroom tax as well.

“He couldn’t pay and got into arrears with his rent. People are getting really low and someone has to make a stand or more and more people will suffer.

“I just want others to know that they are not alone but really something should be done.”

Denis is believed to have family in Oldham but police and friends have been unable to contact them.