A MAN was found dead in a flat after a blaze broke out earlier today.

Emergency service crews were called to Luscinia View, Napier Road, after a resident dialled 999 reporting a fire.

Police officers are yet to identify the body, which was found shortly before 10am.

A specialist fire investigator has been drafted in to discover the cause of the blaze and an investigation is underway.

A police spokesman said: "Thames Valley Police were called just after 9.50am this morning to a report of a fire at a property on Luscinia View, Napier Road, Reading.

"Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service were also in attendance.

"A man was sadly declared deceased at the scene.

"The fire is not believed to be suspicious at this stage and a cordon is currently in place.

"Formal identification is yet to take place."

Firefighters from across Reading and Wokingham rushed to the scene of the blaze.

It was doused by four fire officers using breathing apparatus and hose reels.

A spokesman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 9:34am on Thursday 27 April, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to a fire in a property on Luscinia View, Reading.

"Firefighters from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Dee Road, Whitley Wood and Wokingham responded, supported by crews from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"The aerial ladder appliance from Whitley Wood and the incident command unit from Maidenhead were also sent to the incident.

"The fire is not believed to be suspicious at this stage and a cordon is currently in place by Thames Valley Police. The cause of the fire will be investigated by a specialist fire investigation officer."

More follows.