It's unknown whether it was a deliberate act or a tragic accident

Police spokesman

Onlookers saw him eight storeys up on the roof shortly before he fell, said a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman.

He said staff had already begun searching for Mr Bickford before he was seen on the roof, because they were concerned for his welfare.

"It's unknown whether it was a deliberate act or a tragic accident but there are no suspicious circumstances," said the spokesman.

Burrator ward is used for care of elderly patients.

Army doctor

A spokeswoman for Plymouth Hospitals Trust would not comment on whether Mr Bickford was confused or suffering from mental illness.

She added that the hospital had launched an investigation into the death and the Health and Safety Executive was due to be informed.

Police were making inquiries on behalf of the coroner.

They were already investigating the death of Captain Marcus Stutt, an army anaesthetist who worked in the hospital's military unit.

An inquest was opened last week after his body was found at 0500 GMT on New Year's Day, in the anaesthetics department.

It was thought he may have died from an overdose.