The scene of the fire in Ballycastle on Friday

AN investigation is underway aftr a 44-year-old man died in a fire at a flat in Ballycastle, Co Antrim.

The blaze broke out in the Diamond area of the town on Friday around 2pm.

The man, who is understood to have lived on his own, was found dead at the scene.

The PSNI said: “A full examination will take place to determine the cause of the fire.”

Two fire appliances from Ballycastle Fire Station and one fire appliance from Ballymoney Fire Station attended the scene.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the flat and sadly found a male fatality in the hallway of the flat,” a NI Fire Service spokesperson said.

After conducting a search of the building, fire crews discovered that an earlier fire in the living room had burnt itself out.

Sinn Féin MLA Daithi McKay said that the local community has been left shocked by the death.

“I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of this man who tragically died today in a house fire.

“The local community is truly shocked at what has happened in the centre of Ballycastle.”

Local SDLP Councillor Donal Cunningham added: “I would encourage all those living on their own to ensure that their house is safe and for others to keep a look-out for people who are vulnerable and living on their own.”