Man dies in Toi Toi house fire

A man was found dead at the scene of a house fire yesterday in the Nelson suburb of Toi Toi.

Emergency services were called to the Murphy St home about 11am.

From a cordon near the scene, Sergeant Tim Wincer, of Nelson police, said the investigation was in its very early stages.

‘‘A deceased male was found inside the address,’’ Wincer said. ‘‘We believe no-one else was inside.’’

The man’s body had not yet been removed, and a fire investigator was looking into the cause of the blaze, he said.

Neighbour Diana Weimlich said she believed the man was an older, long-term resident, who would wave and smile and was always cheerful.

‘‘He was a lovely old man, part of the community. My kids grew up with him. He was an awesome guy. We’re going to miss him.’’

Weimlich said the sirens of emergency services vehicles alerted her to the fire.