Enquiries are continuing into the fatal fire in Demesne Road.

The incident happened shortly after 4am on Sunday, but there had also been three other fires in surrounding streets over the previous 16 hours.

The body of what is thought to be a man in his 60s, who lost his life in the blaze, is still in the building and the road remains closed while the property, which suffered severe structural damage, is made safe.

Marian Kenny has more (text, below, from attached audio file):

Officers says steps are being taken to recover the body safely and forensic examinations at the scene of the three other fires are continuing

These are being carried out by the constabulary’s crime scene investigators, supported by colleagues from Lancashire Constabulary and a forensic scientist from the UK Forensic Science Service.

Senior investigating officer, Acting Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Willson says they are keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire at Demesne Road and police are thanking residents affected by police activity in the area for their continued patience.

Officers are still appealing for anyone with information to get in contact with them, particularly if they were in the Bucks Road area between 1.30 and 3pm on Saturday or in the Peveril Street, Peveril Terrace, Clarke Street or Demesne Road area, between midnight and 4.00am on Sunday.

They would also like to speak to anyone who extinguished a fire in the area without reporting it to the police or fire brigade. The number to ring is the Isle of Man Constabulary incident room 631263.

Police say they will not comment at the moment on the identity of the dead man.