A Nelson man police believe had been dead for some time before being found has been identified as Darren Cook, 55.

Cook was found at his home on Suffolk Rd in Stoke on Friday, January 10 when police visited him on an unrelated matter.

Detective Inspector Geoff Barber said: "Police extend our condolences to his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."

The cause of his death remains a mystery, Barber said.

A post-mortem examination had been done, but forensic testing was continuing, he said.

A scene examination has also been done, and police were continuing “to work to piece together what occurred prior to his death”.

Detective Inspector Lex Bruning earlier said, “the man’s body appears to have been there for some time, and the circumstances are unclear at this stage”.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.