Pensioner killed in fire at his home

A MAN died today in a fire in the living room of his flat in Slateford.

Firefighters were called to the ground-floor property at Hutchison Cottages in Slateford Road around 2.10am.

Neighbours raised the alarm after smelling burning.

It is thought the fire could have been smouldering for some time.

The elderly occupant of the flat was found dead by firefighters in the living room.

Fire investigators and police are still looking into the cause of the fire.

Firefighters used four breathing apparatus and one hose reel to tackle the blaze.

A Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said the man who died was thought to be in his seventies. She said the alarm had been raised by neighbours who smelled burning, went to investigate and saw smoke coming from the flat.