27/02/2002

Police investigate fatal fire in west Belfast

A police investigation is underway to establish the cause of a fire at a house in west Belfast in which a man in his late fifties died.

The man, who was known locally as Gerry Callaghan, aged 58, was found by fire services attending the blaze at Lenadoon Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday (February 27) morning.

A neighbour called the fire service after smelling smoke in the building, but when crews arrived it was not clear where the fire was. However, when crews managed to get into the flat, the man was already dead.

A police spokeswoman said the scene would be investigated to establish the cause of the fire. She added that foul play was not suspected.

(AMcE)

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