Body found in Smethwick flat amid reports of explosions
A man died in a fire following reports of an explosion at a flat in a quiet Smethwick street. The man died in the upstairs flat of a house in Loxley Road late last night.
A man died in a fire following reports of an explosion at a flat in a quiet Smethwick street. The man died in the upstairs flat of a house in Loxley Road late last night.
Today the cause of the fire was being investigated.
Neighbours reported hearing explosions, windows breaking and saw thick black smoke at 10.30pm.
It is understood the building had been converted into two flats within the last 12 months. Neighbours said they knew little about the people living there, but it is thought a couple may have lived upstairs.
A police officer was guarding the house this morning.
John Hawker, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "A man was found inside the flat and it became apparent nothing could be done to save him."
