Man dies in house fire

A man has died after a fire broke out at a house in Merseyside.

Emergency crews were called to Singleton Avenue, in Birkenhead, at about 1345 BST on Tuesday.

The fire was spotted by builders working behind the house.

They managed to break down the door but were unable to get inside because of the flames.

No smoke alarm

Firefighters found the body of an elderly man inside.

Some smoke damage was also caused to the neighbouring houses.

A spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said it seemed the house did not have a smoke alarm fitted.

It is not yet known how the fire began, but it is not thought to be suspicious.

Scenes of crime officers and a fire investigation team are now at the scene.