A MAN was found dead in a Southend home after a fire broke out in the early hours of the morning.

The fire service have confirmed the fire, on Keith Way, had been "burning for some time."

Fire crews were called to the scene around 2.30am, with the fire not extinguished until 5.30am.

Once crews had gained entry through the front and back doors, they found the man had already died.

An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire.

A spokesman from the Essex fire service, said: "Crews were called to signs of smoke in Keith Way, Southend, in the early hours of this morning. 

"On arrival firefighters reported that there were signs of fire inside a semi-detached house, and quickly worked to gain access through the front and back doors.

"Once inside, firefighters reported that it was clear a fire had been burning inside the house for some time and that it was not safe to tackle the fire from the inside. 

"Sadly a man was found deceased inside the house.

"Firefighters worked to tackle the fire from the outside and extinguished it by 5.21am.

"The house has been completely destroyed by the fire.

"Fire and police officers will carry out an investigation into the cause of the fire later today."

This is a breaking news story, more to follow.