Elderly man dies in accidental house fire

Firefighters were called to reports of smoke coming from a property in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

A man has died in a house fire in Stoke-on-Trent.

Smoke was seen coming from the home on Glenwood Close, Longton, at about 10:45 GMT on Friday.

The fire was out by the time fire crews arrived and the man, aged in his 90s, was found unresponsive inside the house, said Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and an investigation concluded the fire started accidentally.

"Our thoughts are with the man’s family, friends and neighbours at this tragic and difficult time," said station manager Ben Woodward.

“Unfortunately, those aged over 80 are at a greater risk of falling victim to accidental fires and can find it difficult to get to safety in time."

The service urged older people or families with older relatives to ask for a free "safe and well visit" so its teams could help identify hazards in their homes.