Three fire engines attended the blaze

The incident happened at the man's home in Bessbrook at about 1830 BST on Tuesday.

The fire started in the living room of the 82-year-old man's semi-detached home at McGinn Park in the village.

Neighbours tried to rescue the retired postman from the fire but were beaten back by the blaze.

It is understood three fire engines attended the blaze, but the man had already died by the time firefighters arrived.

Smoke alarm

It is thought the man died of smoke inhalation.

Divisional fire officer John Allen said it was too early to say how the fire started.

"We found a fire in the living room, it was quite localised and a there was a lot of smoke," he said.

"There was a smoke alarm fitted and it activated but unfortunately this elderly gentleman had limited mobility and therefore was not in a position to get himself out of the house.