An investigation has been launched after a 72-year-old man died in a house fire in Ely.

Firefighters were called to New Barnes Avenue shortly before 1am on Friday following reports that a house had caught fire.

Neighbours also expressed concern to emergency services that the homeowner, identified locally as Terry Kidman, was still inside.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue said:

“On arrival of the first crew the police were at the scene and had smashed a window to try to gain access but were unable to get inside due to the smoke.

“Fire crews from Littleport and Ely attended and entered the house. They discovered the body of an elderly man in the front room where the fire had started.”

An investigation by police and fire investigators is under way to determine the cause of the fire.