A FIRE SERVICE says the cause of a blaze in which an elderly man died is likely to have been accidental.

The fire broke out at a cottage in Egton, near Whitby, at 2.15pm on Friday afternoon (February 26).

Three fire engines from Whitby, Lythe and Danby were sent to the scene, but on their arrival they found the house well alight and requested another fire engine attended.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to fight the blaze, which is thought to have started in the kitchen. They remained at the scene for several hours. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said unfortunately a man died in the house.

The service says it is still investigating what started the fire, but at this stage they do not believe the cause was malicious.

Police and ambulance services were also called to the scene.

A spokeswoman for the fire service said: “Unfortunately one person was confirmed to have died.

“Investigations into the cause of the fire are on-going but it is believed to be accidental.”

North Yorkshire Police say they are not yet in a position to name the man.