Fatal house fire in New Plymouth

A 21-year-old New Plymouth man died in a house fire in the city last night.

Police are investigating the man's death in the fire on Bulteel Street, near Pukekura Park, about 7.40pm.

Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward said the name of the dead man had not yet been released.

The scene was guarded overnight and would be thoroughly examined today by ESR scientists, detectives, scene of crime officers and fire safety officers.

"A number of occupants in the house at the time of the fire have been assisting police with their enquiries and will continue to do so throughout the day," he said.

"The matter has been referred to the coroner and at this stage the fire is being treated as suspicious until we determine otherwise," Mr Coward said.

- NZPA