Probe into death of British MP

Police in the UK are investigating the death of Labour MP Ashok Kumar whose body was found by officers at his home earlier today.

As colleagues paid tribute to the 53-year-old politician, Cleveland Police said it was too early to say whether the death was being treated as suspicious.

Staff, who are believed to have raised the alarm after being unable to reach Dr Kumar by telephone, said the news had come as a “huge shock”.

“Police were called to an address on Canberra Road in Marton, Middlesbrough, at 12.30pm today, Monday 15th March,” a spokesman for the Cleveland force said.

“Officers entered the property and found the body of a man in his 50s. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

“At this stage it is too early to say whether the death is being treated as suspicious and inquiries are ongoing.”

Dr Kumar, a Parliamentary aide to Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, had represented Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland since 1997.

The Indian-born MP, who was single, was not believed to be unwell.

A by-election for the seat, where Labour has a majority of 8,000, is very unlikely as the general election is expected on May 6 and must be held by June 3.

Dr Kumar was first elected to the Commons in a 1991 by-election but lost the seat at the general election the following year.

“Ashok was a fine politician who served his constituency and his constituents with diligence and unswerving commitment,” his office said.

“He was a natural fighter and a community leader.”