A man has died in a house fire which police believe was started deliberately.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Dudley, West Midlands, at around 6.10pm last night.
West Midlands Police said a local man, thought to be in his 40s, died in the blaze at the property in Wood Street.
A 42-year-old woman and her two sons, aged nine and 15, managed to escape the property. They were taken to hospital but later discharged.
Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the fire, which they believe started "well inside" the property.
Forensic officers have been unable to carry out investigations inside the house as yet due to concerns about its structural integrity
Detective Inspector Simon Astle, from West Midlands Police CID, said: "This was a major fire, started deliberately, which has claimed a man's life and was so fierce that the property has been left in a dangerous state.
"A woman and her two sons, who we believe were known to the man, have been left badly traumatised by what has happened.
"Fortunately none were seriously injured.
"All three are being supported by specially trained officers and our investigation is well under way."