One dead in Darfield house fire

The identity of a man found dead after a house fire in the town of Darfield, west of Christchurch, is unlikely to be confirmed for several days, say police.

Emergency services were called to a house on Bleak House Rd shortly after 5am today, but did not find the man's body until several hours later when the house was inspected for hotspots.

His death did not appear to be suspicious, and the fire was not linked to the earthquakes that have hit the region in the last week, police spokesman Andrew McAlley said.

The house has been cordoned off, and police have begun an enquiry on behalf of the coroner, Mr McAlley said.

Forensic experts were working on identifying the body.

Police said earlier today that next-of-kin had been informed.

- NZPA