Man's body recovered from Caithness house a week after fire

Scarfskerry blaze claims life of man still to be identified

The blaze from the shed spread to other properties on Deans Road
Published 4th Jan 2017

The body of a man has been recovered from a house following a serious fire a week ago.

The blaze was reported to emergency services shortly before 8pm on Wednesday December 28 at a property in Scarfskerry, Caithness, in the Highlands.

Officers said at the time the occupant of the house, who is yet to be identified, had died.

Extensive structural damage was caused to the building, making it unsafe for fire crews to enter for a number of days.

Police Scotland confirmed the remains of a man have now been recovered and formal identification is due to take place.

However, officers have updated the family of Frederick Melhert, 95, who stayed alone at the address, of the new development.

Inquires into the cause of the fire are ongoing but officers said there are no suspicious circumstances.

A report is to be sent to the procurator fiscal.