THE Greenock man whose 'unexplained' death sparked an intensive police operation has been named locally as Samuel Arkley.

Police found 34-year-old Mr Arkley's body within a flat on the town's West Blackhall Street after being called to the address at 1.20am yesterday morning.

A large section of the road between the Bank of Scotland and Grey Place remained cordoned off all day as police launched a major probe.

Uniformed officers stood guard outside the door of a common close, next to Cafe Balfe, throughout the day while detectives investigated the circumstances of dad-of-one Mr Arkley's death.

Enquiries remain ongoing today to establish exactly what happened to him.

It is understood that a report regarding the matter will soon be prepared for the procurator fiscal.

The police presence on the street had remained in place for more than 16 hours and was anticipated to continue throughout last night.

Part of Jamaica Street was also sealed off.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers were called to an address at West Blackhall Street in Greenock at around 1.20am on Friday, 8 January, 2021 following the sudden death of a 34-year-old man.

"The death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.

"A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."

Anyone with information about Mr Arkley's death should call police on 101.