Police investigating after man found dead inside burning house at Woodville Gardens

Police are investigating after a man described as a “very friendly guy” was found dead inside his fire-ravaged suburban home overnight – with his dog unharmed in the yard.

A man has been found dead inside a home completely destroyed by fire at Woodville Gardens on Thursday morning.

Police and emergency services were called to a house in Essex St just after 4am after a passer-by noticed an “orange glow emanating from the premises”.

Firefighters entered the house and found a body inside.

Police say the dead man is believed to be the 72-year-old male resident, who lived alone in the house with his dog.

Police at the scene of the fatal house fire in Woodville Gardens. Picture: RoyVPhotography

Essex St, Woodville Gardens, cordoned off by police tape. Picture: RoyVPhotography

Forensic investigators at the Woodville Gardens house fire. Picture: RoyVPhotography

Investigators believe the dead man is the home’s 72-year-old male resident. Picture: RoyVPhotography

Detectives investigate the fatal house fire in Woodville Gardens. Picture: RoyVPhotography

The house was completely destroyed by the fire, which was understood to have started inside, but the dog was found unharmed in the rear yard.

Fire cause investigators, crime scene investigators and detectives have gone to the scene, and The Advertiser has observed at least a dozen police officers roaming the street, collecting evidence from the home.

Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams said the man’s death was being treated as an “unexplained death”.

“The fire appears to be suspicious but it’s too early in the investigation to determine the actual cause,” she said.

Ms Williams said police would release more information about the incident in due course.

Resident Alan Bell said he hoped “nothing malicious” had happened his “old, friendly neighbour” who he always saw along their street walking the dog.

“When I spoke to police they didn’t tell me that someone had passed,” he said. “All police said was that there was a fire down the street and asked if I had any CCTV.

“It’s shocking that someone so close to us had died – I just hope there was nothing malicious in this house fire.”

Meanwhile, the neighbour across the road, Christina Madi, said she felt saddened by the news and her heart went out to the family.

“He was a very friendly guy, he was always outside saying ‘hi’ to his neighbours – everything I saw of him was good,” she said.

“I just want to extend our condolences to the family.”

Neighbour Samir Bakhoum said everyone along the street knew the man, who was affectionately known as “Bill”.

“He was a good man … he always took my rubbish bins inside if I didn’t bring them in,” he said. “He was a very good man and I’m very sad about what happened to him.”

The Advertiser understands the street will remain cordoned off overnight, as authorities continue their investigation.

As of Thursday afternoon is still unclear whether the man’s death is suspicious.

Police officers were seen going door to door on surrounding streets, asking residents if they had seen anything overnight.

Police are appealing to anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the street from 10pm last night to contact crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperssa.com.au.