Bilston fires tragedy latest as man dead and four injured in blazes 500ft apart
The 70-year-old was discovered at an address in Marbury Drive, Bilston, at around 2.30am, minutes after fire crews were called to a blaze at a home in nearby Lunt Place.
Four people were injured in the fire at Lunt Place, which was reported at around 2.19am.
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Here is everything we know so far about the incident:
When did it happen?
The first fire was reported at 2.19am with the second called in 11 minutes later at 2.30am.
Where did it happen?
The first fire was at a house on Lunt Place in Bilston. The second was just 0.1 miles away in Marbury Drive.
Are the fires connected?
Police have not yet confirmed whether or not the fires are connected.
Who died?
A 70-year-old man was found dead in a home on Marbury Drive. He has not been named by officials.
Was anyone hurt?
Three people were led away from the house on Lunt Place. One more person was found outside the property with all four taken to hospital with non-critical injuries.
What has West Midlands Police said?
A spokesperson for the force told BlackCountryLive: "We are working with West Midlands Fire Service following two fires in Bilston.
"We were called to Lunt Place and Marbury Drive shortly after 2am today (10 May) after fires at two properties.
"Four people were taken to hospital with injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening.
"A man in his 70s was found dead at the Marbury Drive address and we are working with the Fire Service to establish the exact circumstances around what happened.
"Our officers will be remaining at the scene of the fires throughout this weekend to help the Fire Service with their enquiries and keep the sites secure."
How can I help the police investigation?
Anyone who was in the area at the time of the fire and saw what happened can contact police via 101 or Live Chat quoting log 379 of May 10.
What has West Midlands Fire Service said?
A spokesperson said: "West Midlands Fire Service responded to two significant house fires in Bilston in the early hours of Saturday, May 10.
"We were first alerted at 2.19am to a fire at a property in Lunt Place. Crews from surrounding stations responded swiftly, with the first fire engine arriving within three minutes of being mobilised.
"Fire affected around a third of the ground floor of the two-storey, semi-detached house. The entire property was affected by smoke.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels and jets to bring the fire under control.
"Three people were led to safety from the first floor. A fourth was located outside.
"All were treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
"At 2.30am, we were called to a second house fire on nearby Marbury Drive. This involved a detached, two-storey house, with fire affecting virtually all of the property.
"Our crews worked in challenging conditions to contain and extinguish the fire. Sadly, a man believed to be in his seventies was confirmed to have died at the scene.
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these events.
"We are working closely with West Midlands Police. Cordons remain in place. Both scenes are expected to remain under joint investigation for the next few days.
"We would like to thank the community for their patience and support as our work continues."
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