Person found dead following house fire in South Dunedin

A person has been found dead inside a house on Loyalty St in Forbury following a fire on Friday morning. Emergency services were called to the address shortly after 11am.

Firefighters from across the city attended the blaze, which was visible when crews arrived. Four crews were initially involved, with the last firefighters leaving the scene around 1.30pm.

Police were seen consoling two young people at the scene during emotional moments. A third woman was also led to police by a firefighter before the group was driven away in a police car.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hayden Smale stated that police would remain at the property overnight. A scene examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

How it developed

• Fri 16 Oct, 1:09pmA person's body was discovered inside the address following the fire.
• Fri 16 Oct, 7:34pmDetective Senior Sergeant Hayden Smale confirmed the death and the overnight police presence.
• Fri 16 Oct, 7:50pmThe last firefighters departed the scene at approximately 1.30pm.

Where reports differ

• One report suggested the fire started in a laundry, while another stated the fire was clearly visible when crews arrived

Compiled from reports by Stuff, Otago Daily Times, 1News, The Press, NZ Herald and RNZ.