Man who died in Keighley house fire named as Phillip Molloy

Emergency services scrambled to a property in Spring Avenue, Long Lee, Keighley, shortly after 9.30pm on Tuesday.

Firefighters rescued a man in his 60s, who has been named locally as Phillip Molloy, from the house.

He was given medical attention at the scene and taken to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Crews from Keighley, Bingley, and Silsden fire stations attended the incident.

One resident said: "It's very sad. He was quite well-known in the area. I did know him. His children used to play with my grandchildren."

One woman who lives in the area told the T&A: "There was a lot of smoke, but I didn't see any flames."

She said four fire engines, two ambulances, and two police vans were at the scene and roads were all blocked off.

She described Mr Molloy as "quite a nice fella" who was "friends with people in the community".

The woman said he had lived in the area for a long time.

A couple on the street added: "We've lived here since 1965, and nothing like this has happened.

"It's quite quiet unless the school run starts."

Another resident added: "It's quiet around here. Not much happens.

"It's quite surprising and very sad."

Residents reported seeing emergency services on the road.

One person said: "Like everyone else around we were wondering what was going on.

"We were woken up by flashing lights. There were a lot of police and fire engines here.

"It's sad to hear someone has died, but I didn't know the man."

Another added: "It's very sad. I knew of him, but I didn't know him.

"Not a lot happens around here but when something like this happens, it's a bit of a shock.”

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s fire investigation team was at the scene as a probe into the fire got underway, though West Yorkshire Police said there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

A spokesperson said: "Emergency services attended at 9.37pm and a man found inside the address was taken to hospital.  

"The man, in his 60s, was pronounced deceased at hospital a short time later.  

"Officers are continuing to liaise with fire service investigators to establish the cause but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and the coroner's office has been informed."