A MAN was found dead in a flat in Alloa at the weekend after emergency services were called to reports of a fire within the property.

The 43-year-old was at the Earn Court property with two other people on Saturday December 30 when three fire engines were called along with ambulance and police.

The Advertiser believes, however, that the death of the man is not linked to the fire, and that the death of the man actually led to the fire in the kitchen as food which was being cooked was unattended.

Police Scotland released a statement which said: “Police in Forth Valley were called to a flat at Earn Court in Alloa around 11pm on Saturday 30 December following a report of a fire.

“A 43-year-old man was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, where he sadly passed away shortly after midnight.

“A joint investigation is ongoing with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and the death is currently being treated as unexplained pending further enquiries. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

Roddie Keith, Stirling and Clackmannanshire’s local senior officer for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed they attended the incident.

He said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 11.01pm on Saturday, December 30 to reports of a fire within a flat at Earn Court, Alloa.

“Operations Control mobilised a total of three appliances to the scene and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire.

“A 43-year-old man was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital where, sadly, and despite the efforts of the emergency services, he passed away.

“Our thoughts at this time are with those affected, and I must pay tribute to our firefighters and emergency service partners for all their efforts.

“A joint investigation between SFRS and Police Scotland is currently ongoing.”