Son found dead after big blaze at family home

A teenager has been found dead after a serious house fire in Cannock today. Firefighters found the 19-year-old - named locally as Daniel - in a bedroom.

Crews had to force their way into the blazing house in Park Road, Norton Canes shortly after 2am.

He had been in the house with his mother, who was found outside the property by ambulance crews arriving first on the scene.

She was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene but was not otherwise injured.

Neighbours said the boy's younger sister had been staying over at a friend's house and was not in the property when it caught fire.

Sgt Tracey Pointon, of Staffordshire Police, said: "The fire brigade forced entry into the semi-detached house in Park Road.

"Fire and rescue officers made a search of the premises and discovered the body of a 19-year-old male in a bedroom on the first floor."

The cause of death is yet to be established, but is believed to be fire related.

The house was cordoned off today as specialist fire investigators examined the scene to try and establish a cause.

Fire crews from Cannock, Chase Terrace and Penkridge attended the scene. A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews found the house well alight and unfortunately there was one male fatality."

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with any information is asked to contact the CID at Cannock on 08453 302010.