NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock after an elderly man died following a fire at a Brierley Hill home last night (Thursday, January 14).

A total of 15 firefighters tackled the blaze, which started on the ground floor of a house on The Goss in Brierley Hill.

A man in his 80s was pronounced dead at the scene. 

West Midlands Fire Service was called just after 10pm and the first crew arrived within three minutes. 

Residents of the street, who did not wish to be named, have reacted to the tragic incident. One resident said: "All of the neighbours were out, there was so much going on. 

"He lived on his own. He kept himself to himself."

An 80-year-old neighbour said: "It's obviously a shock. It's usually quiet around here. There were flashing lights everywhere. 

Another resident said: "You couldn't get up the street. You could only see smoke, not flames. It's a sad day."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, ambulance staff were told by colleagues from the fire service that there was one patient inside the property.

“Unfortunately, once with the patient, a man, it quickly became evident that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police said: "A joint investigation was launched to understand the circumstances behind the fire, but the man’s death is not being treated as suspicious at this time."