A MAN has died in a house fire.

Emergency services were called to a property in West Hill Road, St Leonards, at around 5.35pm on Thursday.

Crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service tackled the blaze which has caused extensive damage to the home.

Firefighters found the body of a man inside the building.

The East Sussex coroner's officer has been informed.

The cause of the fire is currently being treated as unexplained.

Inspector Mark Evans, of Sussex Police, said: "The road was closed and a cordon put in place while East Sussex Fire & Rescue assess the damage to the premises and those adjoining.

"At this time we are in the early stages of the investigation to establish how the fire started and are working closely with East Sussex Fire & Rescue."

Anyone with information or witnesses who may have seen something suspicious should contact Sussex Police via the online  form at sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal/ or call 101, quoting Operation Bogart.