AN ELDERLY man has been killed in a tragic accident after a blaze ripped through his home on Friday.

Stanley Marden, aged 82, was found dead by firefighters in the front bedroom of his Woolaway bungalow where he lived alone in Arley Road, just 300 yards from Arley Hall.

Smoke could be seen from more than four miles away as fire crews from Northwich, Knutsford and Stockton Heath were called to the scene shortly after 12.30pm.

They used breathing apparatus to force their way into the house but the fire had already swept through the entire building causing part of the roof to collapse.

The bungalow was gutted by the flames and it took firefighters more than an hour to bring the blaze under control.

Officer in charge Allan Perris said it was a tragic incident.

"It's unusual for a fire to get so big and it meant we had to carry out an intensive search under perishing conditions," he added.

"Neighbours had tried to force open the door but were beaten back by flames and smoke."

An inquest has now been opened and adjourned into the death of the pensioner, but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

Cheshire Fire Brigade spokesman Evan Morris said: "This terrible tragedy highlights how vulnerable the elderly are, especially at this time of year having had such a cold winter.

"While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined I would encourage neighbours and relatives to keep their eye on anyone who is elderly or infirm and lives alone."