Fatal fire caused by smoker

Six people were thought to be inside the property

Fire officers investigating the cause of a fatal fire at flats in Exeter believe it was accidental.

It is thought the blaze at Rockslide Villas in St David's Hill on Sunday may have been started by a discarded cigarette.

A post-mortem examination is being carried out on an unnamed man who died at the scene.

The property is fitted with a smoke alarm system which was not working.

Fire investigators have examined the scene

The fire service were called to the property just after 0200 GMT on Sunday.

One man died and another man was rescued and treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

The fire was discovered by a third tenant in a ground floor bedroom of the terraced building who was unharmed.

Divisional Fire Officer Pete Denford said it appeared the fuse in the smoke alarm may have been taken out.

He said: "We would certainly say to people not to do that. If there is a problem with such a system, let your landlord know."

Several occupants

Fire officer Chris Herrick said he was sure residents would have been safe if the smoke alarm had been working.

He said: "One of the big issues that we'll be looking into is that this is a house in multiple occupation.

"We were led to believe there were six occupants in the property at the time."

The fire brigade said it was concerned such properties led to a split in resources between tackling the fire and getting people out safely.