AN elderly man has died in a fire at his home in Earby.

A neighbour noticed smoke coming from the detached bungalow in Barnwood Crescent at 5.15pm, and tried to reach the occupant, but was beaten back by heat and flames.

With flames shooting from the property, six firefighters from Earby Fire Station then entered the bungalow, wearing breathing apparatus.

They found the elderly man, but he had died by the time he was brought out.

The cause of the fire is unclear and an initial investigation has begun.

However, a more detailed investigation will begin tomorrow morning in daylight.

It is not known whether a working smoke alarm had been fitted in the property.