Man dies in Hawke's Bay house fire

Police have yet to formally identify a man who died in a house fire in the Hawke's Bay town of Waipawa yesterday afternoon.

Firefighters discovered a body in the kitchen after being called to the house in Waverley St about 2.45pm.

Detective Denis Tatere, of Waipukurau police, said police were "99 per cent sure" of the man's name but it had yet to be confirmed.

He said it was not yet known how the fire had started.

"Fire safety officers are doing a scene investigation at the moment."

A post mortem will be carried out on the victim today to confirm the cause of death.

- NZPA