Police have found what they believe to be a body in a property in Demesne Road, Douglas which was badly damaged by fire early today.

The emergency services were called to the address just after 4am and a number of residents were rescued from the flats as fire fighters battled to extinguish the flames.

The blaze is being treated as suspicious and the area around the address will be cordoned off for the forseeable future, while the emergency services continue the investigation.

Police officers will be located at the cordons to help residents make their way to and from their homes.

A media statement describes it as "a significant inquiry", and urges anyone who was in the area of Demesne Road between midnight and 4 am today, and who has information which might help the investigation, to ring Police Headquarters on 631212 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line, on 0800 555 111.

Police say they are grateful for the co-operation and patience of local residents and say they will do everything they can to minimise disruption to the local community.