AN 88-YEAR-OLD man died was found dead inside a house after firefighters were called to the scene of a blaze on Friday night, it has emerged.

Details of the man's death at a house on Samuel Street, Sutton Heath were released this afternoon by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

The property had no smoke alarms.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing but at this stage it is suspected to be accidental.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said it was called at 11.26pm on Friday, November 21.

Two fire appliances were initially sent to the scene and a third was requested when it became apparent there was somebody inside.

The body of an 88-year-old man was found inside the property. An inquest into the man’s death will be held to establish the exact cause of death.

There was severe fire damage to the lounge of the property.

Group Manager Chris Case, district manager for St Helens, said: “Firefighters were quickly on scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and the body of an elderly man was discovered inside.

"There was a well-developed fire in the property when crews arrived and this was extinguished.

“Next door neighbours could smell smoke and contacted the fire and rescue service. Firefighters then discovered the fire next door to the neighbour’s property.

“This fire started in a property which had no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms can give vital early warning of a fire.

“We urge people to have working smoke alarms on each level of their home. If people have elderly relatives you can request a Home Fire Safety Check, where fire safety advice is given, by calling 0800 7315958.”