INVESTIGATIONS ARE continuing into the cause of a fatal fire at a sheltered housing complex in Glenrothes on Monday evening.

A pensioner, thought to be in his 80s, was found dead after emergency services arrived at Inchkeith Court, off Pitcoudie Avenue, at around 7.30pm.

Two fire crews from Glenrothes and one from Methil brought the fire under control without too much disruption to neighbouring residents, although it emerged yesterday that a small number were asked to gather in a communal room for a short time.

The dead man was expected to be named by police yesterday but it is understood that problems contacting a relative in England has so far prevented them from doing so.

The complex at Inchkeith Court is managed by Edinburgh-based Bield Housing Association Limited and Jim Thomson, chief executive, offered his sympathies to the dead man’s relatives.

“The fire was contained to one flat. However, a small number of tenants were temporarily evacuated to the communal lounge for a short period,” he said. “They were allowed back to the flats later that night.

“The police and fire authority are investigating and at this stage, we are unable to give any further comment other than to express our sincere condolences to the resident’s family.”

The sheltered housing at Inchkeith Court is made up of 42 flats and has residential management staff and a community alarm service.

What caused Monday’s fire has not yet been ascertained, although a spokes-person for Fife Fire and Rescue Service revealed that the blaze started in the living room.

Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances behind the blaze.