A MAN has died after a fire broke out in a house during the night.

The man, known locally as David Hoey, was taken from the two-storey house on Greenock's Nicol Drive today shortly after 2.15am.

Emergency services treated the 57-year-old at the scene however he was pronounced dead a short time later.

A member of the public is understood to have been returning home from work and dialled 999 when they spotted the flames.

Around 20 firefighters tackled the well-developed blaze using high pressure jets and an ariel pump, and ensured the area was safe before leaving.

A police spokeswoman said: "A joint investigation is underway between police Scotland and the fire service to establish the cause of the fire however it is not believed to be suspicious at this time."

A fire service spokesman said: "We were called to a fire in a two-storey house at 2.15am in Greenock.

"Fire fighters arrived within six minutes to find the property was already well alight.

"Teams sent into the building wearing breathing apparatus located a man and removed him from the property.

"He received emergency care from fire fighters an paramedics at the scene but sadly it was confirmed that he had died."