AN inquest has been opened into the death of man who died in a flat fire in Winchester.

Stephen John Vear, 57, was discovered at a property in Whiteshute Lane, St Cross, on November 5 after emergency services were called to reports that the first floor flat was ablaze.

On Thursday, acting area coroner Samantha Marsh opened an inquest into Mr Vear’s death at Winchester Coroner’s Court.

Ms Marsh told the hearing that a post mortem had determined that Mr Vear died of smoke inhalation burns.

The inquest was adjourned pending final reports and is expected to be concluded on February 20, next year.

The alarm was raised at 3.20pm and Mr Vear was pronounced dead at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service.

Two crews from Winchester and one from Eastleigh attended the incident at the home.

An investigation by Hampshire Constabulary and the fire service is being conducted to establish the cause.

Police have also confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.