AN elderly man has died in a house fire in Norton-sub-Hamdon in the early hours of this morning (Friday, July 6).

The man, who has not been named, was discovered by firefighters who were called to his first floor apartment in a three-story manor house in Great Street just after 1am.

Nearby residents, who were alerted by a smoke alarm, had earlier tried in vain to rescue the man but were forced back by the smoke. Investigations are ongoing to establish what started the fire.

Martin Carnell, a spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We do not know whether the elderly gentleman died as a result of the fire or a natural cause.

"A fire investigation officer was at the scene until 11am this morning and we are now working with Avon and Somerset police."

Mr Carnell added: "From the outside there was not much evidence of a fire. We entered on the first floor and found the first and second floors were heavily smoke-logged and there was 20% smoke damage to the apartment."

Some 40 firefighters attended the incident, with nine crews including one from Crewkerne and a support unit from Ilminster. The last crews left at 5am.