Man killed and second fighting for his life after house fire

An investigation has been launched into a ‘suspicious’ house fire which took the life of an elderly man and seriously injured another.

A man aged in his 70’s was pronounced dead at the scene and his family have been informed. Another man, aged in his 60’s, was rushed to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: ‘Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as they investigate a fatal house fire in Weymouth.

‘Dorset Police received a report at 10:59am yesterday (Friday) of a fire at an address in Southdown Road in Weymouth, Dorset.

‘Officers attended the scene, along with the fire and ambulance services. Very sadly, a man aged in his 70’s was pronounced deceased at the scene. His family has been informed.

‘A man aged in his 60’s was also taken to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.

‘Following further enquiries into the cause of the fire, it is believed to be suspicious and detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident.’

The spokesman added: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died in this fire and officers are supporting them and keeping them updated with the progress of our investigation.