A man has died in a house fire this morning, with eyewitness reporting "black smoke billowing" from the scene.
Firefighters were called to the blaze in Newstead Road, in Wigan, at around 4am today (Saturday, July 23). Police have confirmed the man was pronounced dead at the scene, but his age and the cause of the fire have not yet been revealed.
The residential street remained taped off throughout the morning, with pictures obtained by the MEN showing forensic officers entering the semi-detached house. Eyewitnesses have said up to eight emergency service vehicles flocked to the scene, with the fire appearing to caused severe damage to the property.
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A joint investigation into the fire has been launched by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
A spokesperson for GMP said: "At around 4am on Saturday 23 July 2022, we were called by the fire service responding to an incident in the Goose Green area of Wigan. A man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
"An investigation is underway. Anyone with information should contact police via gmp.police.uk quoting 549 23/07/22. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
A GMFRS spokesperson added: “At around 4am on Saturday 23 July, crews were called to reports of a fire at a semi-detached home on Newstead Road, Wigan.
“Four fire engines from Wigan, Hindley and Skelmersdale fire stations quickly attended the incident. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.
“Firefighters rescued a man from the property who was then taken to hospital by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).
“Fire crews remain in attendance and fire investigation officers are working with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to determine the cause of the fire.”
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