Fatal house fire treated as suspicious by police

Police were called to the property in Weymouth on Friday morning

A house fire that killed a man in his 70s is being treated as suspicious by police.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at a property in Southdown Road, Weymouth, just before 11:00 BST on Friday.

One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while another, in his 60s, was taken to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.

Dorset Police said detectives from its major crime investigation team had launched a full investigation.

Detectives are investigating the cause of the fire

Det Ch Insp Neil Third said: "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died in this fire and officers are supporting them and keeping them updated with the progress of our investigation.

"We are treating this fire as suspicious and I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any unusual activity in the area of Southdown Road during the morning... or who has any information that might assist our enquiries."

He urged residents to check CCTV systems or doorbell cameras, and motorists who were in the area to check their dashcams.

A cordon was in place and there was an increased police presence in the area, he said.