FIREFIGHTERS are continuing to investigate the cause of a house fire in Carryduff in which a 62-year-old man died.
The blaze occurred in the Manse Road area yesterday morning. Police and firefighters confirmed last night a man was found dead at the property.
He has been named locally as David Marshall. It is understood his pet dog also perished in the fire.
A NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson said they were alerted to the fire at around 10.20am.
Four fire appliances were called to the scene along with a specialist rescue team, while police closed off part of the Manse Road to motorists.
"Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used three jets to extinguish the fire," the NIFRS spokesperson said.
"Tragically, a man was discovered in the property and was pronounced dead at the scene. The fire was under control by 2.10pm and the cause remains under investigation."
A PSNI spokesperson said police officers have been conducting enquiries in the area as part of an investigation into the blaze.
"We would appeal to anyone with information they believe may assist our investigation to call us. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, and quote reference number 397 12/04/22," they said.
South Belfast Assembly candidate Elsie Trainor offered condolences to the family of the deceased, adding: "It’s always very difficult to lose a loved one but I can only imagine what they are going through given these very difficult circumstances. This is a tight-knit area and this death will also be a shock to the local community in Carryduff."