THERE is deep sadness in the farming community this evening after police searching for an 82-year-old man feared dead in a weekend house fire in Co Down recovered his body among the ruins.

The search resumed this morning for his remains after a suspect accidental weekend blaze gutted his family home.

The fire broke out at a farm at Ballynafern Road, Annaclone, outside Rathfriland, around 7.20 am on Saturday morning.

Such was the intensity of the blaze the farmhouse was left gutted as flames licked their way through the building.

An attempt to find him was called over the weekend amid concerns for the safety of rescuers.

Part of the first floor of the farmhouse collapsed, making it dangerous for police and fire crews to enter the building.

This afternoon officers confirmed that they recovered a man’s body from the property following the resumed search.

Local police chief Insp Nigel Graham said: “The cause of the fire is still being investigated but is not believed to be suspicious at this time.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this most difficult time.”