A FIRE at a Highbridge property which killed a man is not being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to Market Street in Highbridge on Friday (November 8) after receiving reports of a fire.

Firefighters from Burnham-on-Sea, Bridgwater and Taunton were sent to the scene at around 11.15am and when they arrived they found a fire in a storage area at the rear of the property which had spread to the home, causing extensive damage.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a man was found dead inside the property on Friday and closed off the road to carry out an investigation into the incident.

On Tuesday (November 12) police confirmed the fire is not being treated as suspicious and said the victim’s next of kin have been informed.

The spokesperson said: “The investigation into the cause of the fire at a flat in Highbridge on Friday is continuing.

“Tragically, the occupant of the Market Street property was found dead inside.

“The fire is not being treated as suspicious and enquiries are being carried out on behalf of the coroner.

“The victim’s next of kin have been informed but the formal identification process has not yet taken place.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said the cause of the fire is still being investigated and the flat was badly damaged in the incident.

“Two fire engines from Burnham on Sea, one from Bridgwater and one from Taunton, were all sent to report of smoke issuing from a domestic property.

“On arrival crews confirmed that there was a fire at the rear of the property in a storage area that had spread to the property.

“ Crews have extinguished the fire and are currently dealing with some slight smoke logging in the property.

“Crews extinguished the fire by 2.45pm.

“This was a fire involving a two story flat, there was 90 per cent fire and 100 per cent smoke damage to the property.

“Crews used two hose reel jets and six breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire.

“The cause of the fire is still being investigated.”