A MAN has died after a house blaze at his home early today.

Firefighters were called to Acre Street in Lindley at 8am today after neighbours spotted smoke pouring from the home.

Firefighters smashed the door in at the one-up one-down in an alleway next to Jackson's shop and post office.

The fire was in the living-room and kitchen.

They dragged the middle-aged man out and gave him first aid - also using a defibrillator - in a desperate bid to save him.

Sadly he was pronounced dead after paramedics arrived.

Fire crew manager Robert Butters said: "As soon as we put the door in we could see the man so made a snatch rescue. Two firefighters dragged him out while the others fought the blaze."

A neighbour said: "The man has lived in the house for about eight years.

"He lived alone and was unemployed, but one friend used to visit him regularly."

The house is close to Lindley Clock Tower.

There are around four homes in the alleyway.

The alleyway is opposite the Black Horse pub.

Dave Smith - wife of Black Horse pub landlady Susan Smith - said: "There are police cars, an ambulance and have been two fire engines here, but one of those left at 9am.

"If the man who has died is the one we are thinking of, he is a loner who often used to ride around on a bike.

"I think he's aged about 52."