TWO friends tried unsuccessfully to revive a man after he choked to death in a charity-run bungalow.

It is believed the three all lived in a home provided by mental illness charity Rethink Mental Illness in Cory Road, Taunton.

They were not under staff supervision at the time of the incident on Monday evening.

Rethink area manager Neil Singleton said: “This was a tragic and deeply unfortunate incident and our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends.

“We are working hard to ensure that the other residents at the service have all the support and help they need at this difficult time.”

It is believed a man and a woman raised the alarm and tried to resuscitate the man, in his 40s, after he collapsed.

Police were called at 6.50pm but are not treating the death as suspicious.

Rethink offers supported housing services to people with mental health problems who do not have high needs, allowing them to live as independently as possible in the community.

Staff work with clients to develop a support plan tailored to their individual needs, which typically includes daily visits.