Inquiry into fatal house fire continues

Investigations were continuing today into the discovery of an elderly man's body inside a blazing New Plymouth house last night.

Firefighters desperately tried to save the victim but were unsuccessful.

The man was discovered in an upstairs room by firefighters called to tackle a blaze at a two-storey house in Weymouth St just after 6pm.

Firefighters tried to resuscitate the man before ambulance officers took over, but they were unable to revive the man.

The fire was confined to the ground floor of the property.

It is understood that the man lived alone. His name is expected to be released today.

Police said that the death would be referred to the coroner.

- NZPA