INVESTIGATIONS are under way today into a flat fire that claimed the life of a man in the early hours.

Three fire crews were sent to the home in Forest View, Brandon, County Durham, shortly after midnight.

Firefighters forced their way into the heavily smoke-logged property and found the victim in the bedroom.

They tried to resuscitate him and he was taken by ambulance to the University Hospital of North Durham a few miles away in Durham City.

The 59-year-old man, who has not been named and who lived alone, was pronounced dead shortly after.

The fire, which was contained to one room, was quickly extinguished.

Today, police and investigators are trying to find out what caused the blaze although they say there are no obvious initial indications that it was suspicious.

Firefighters are touring the area to give fire prevention advice and offer to fit free fire alarms.

Susan Johnson, Chief Executive of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, urged residents to take up the offer.

She added: "The Service all feel saddened when tragic events happen and we aim to do all we can to prevent such tragedies."

A police spokeswoman said: "The coroner has been informed. A joint investigation is being carried out by the fire brigade and the police to establish the cause of the blaze. Crime scene investigators will be attending the scene today as part of that investigation.''