Hodnet fatal fire likely to have been an accident

Investigations into the cause of a house fire in north Shropshire in which a man died were continuing today as it emerged it was likely to have started accidentally.

A man, named locally as John Reece, died during the blaze at the property in The Meadow, Hodnet, near Market Drayton, on Tuesday.

Dave Bishton, fire investigation officer with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are reasonably comfortable there were no suspicious circumstances.

"It appears to be an accidental fire but we are awaiting the results of a post mortem."

Maria Wilkinson, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said a post mortem on the victim had failed to establish a cause of death and that further tests were currently being carried out.

The fire broke out at about 12.30pm and is believed to have started in the living room of the house.

Rob Corfield, who is the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service incident commander, said: "An investigation into the cause of the fire is being conducted jointly by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Mercia Police.

"On arrival crews gained entry to the ground floor of the property wearing breathing apparatus where a casualty was quickly located.

"The person was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the scene," he continued and added: "A small fire on the ground floor was dealt with."

Karen Calder, who serves on Shropshire Council as the member for Hodnet, said: "What has happened is an absolute tragedy."