Police have launched an investigation after a man died in a Norwich flat fire.

Three fire crews from Carrow, Earlham and Sprowston were called to the top floor flat in West Pottergate just before midday today.

Paramedics made attempts to resuscitate the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The property has been sealed off and police forensic investigators and the fire service are working to find the cause of the blaze.

A resident who lives in a flat directly below where the man died said: 'He was an elderly man and lived alone I think. He was really quiet as well. This area is a mix of people so it can be hard to socialise. I saw a bit of smoke outside the back window and then I let the fire service get on with their job. It is a real shame that someone has died, even though I didn't know him and he hardly ever goes out.

I think it was one of his carers that came across the fire.'

Another nearby resident said: 'I could smell burning and I saw a lot of smoke. I walked up and saw two guys standing outside. One of them was on the phone to the fire service. I asked them if anyone was still inside and they said 'yes.' I think they had tried to go back in there but it was too dangerous.'

Police are continuing their investigations but the death is not being treated as suspicious.