A senior police officer says it is unlikely charges will be laid against a burglar who broke into a Hamilton house only to find a body hanging early yesterday.



Hamilton City tactical co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Freda Grace said given the intense situation the 21-year-old man found himself in, he would be let off with a stern warning.



''It is unlikely charges would be laid but he will definitely be warned,'' she said.



The burglar came across the man's body after breaking into the house shortly after midnight.



''He got a heck of fright, that's for sure - it would have been terrible for anyone.''



The burglar was so terrified of the grisly find that he screamed, alerting neighbours.



Grace said he then ran home where he contacted police and told them what had happened.



As of last night, police had been unable to locate the dead man's relatives.



His death was not considered suspicious and had been handed over to the coroner.