Body found at scene of west Belfast house blaze

Police in west Belfast are examining the scene of a house fire in which a person has died.

The Fire and Rescue Service was called to the blaze in Lenadoon Avenue, a residential area, shortly after midnight, the PSNI confirmed. A body was later discovered.

Details of the age and gender of the victim are being withheld until all family members have been notified.

Fire Service spokesman Alan Hamill said firefighters worked in "very punishing conditions" to tackle the outbreak and recover the body.

"The first fire crews were faced with a very severe fire on the first floor in the attack of a semi-detached house. It became apparent quite quickly of the possibility that someone was still inside the house. Unfortunately [THEY]quickly discovered the deceased in a bedroom in the attic of the house."

The scene remains sealed off as experts determine how the fire started.