A PENSIONER died in a flat fire in Hampshire in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A joint police and fire investigation has been launched into the cause of the blaze after the 70-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene in Portsmouth.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the ground floor flat in Hale Court, Fratton Road at 12.15am on September 18.

A woman was treated by South Central Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.

Fire crews from Southsea, Cosham and Portchester attended the property in Hale Court, Fratton Road, along with Hampshire Constabulary.

Four sets of breathing apparatus, a hose reel jet and tactical ventilation were used.