MP Ashok Kumar found dead, aged 53

Labour MP Ashok Kumar has died, his office said today.

He was found this morning at his home in Middlesbrough, a spokesman said, in what was being treated as a "sudden accidental death".

"It came as a huge shock to everyone," the spokesman said.

Dr Kumar, who was 53, represented Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

Cleveland police are investigating the death. A spokesman 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."

Hilary Benn, for whom Mr Kumar was a parliamentary aide, said: "It is very hard to believe that Ashok is no longer with us.

"Ashok was a pioneer, a doughty fighter for his constituents and a Labour man through and through who cared deeply for others."

Before becoming an MP, Dr Kumar was a research fellow at Imperial College, London and a research scientist for British Steel and also served as a local councillor in Middlesbrough for 10 years.