Neighbours speak of shock after 39-year-old dies in house fire in Stockport

Neighbours have spoken of their shock after a 39-year-old man died following a house fire in Stockport.

Emergency services were called to reports of the blaze on Garners Lane, Adswood, at around 5am on Friday (May 19). The man was rescued from the building but has since sadly passed away, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed.

The force said the fire is being treated as 'non-suspicious', and that officers are supporting the man's family.

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One neighbour said he was letting his dog out when he saw a number of fire engines outside the house.

“I just saw a lot of fire engines and police, all standing on the corner with the lights on. I didn’t know what was going on,” he said.

“I knew him, he was a really nice guy, I used to see him out walking his dog. I was only speaking to him last week.

“It’s a bad road, there’s always something happening. It’s a real shock.”

Another neighbour said: “My dog woke me up at around 6.30am, barking. I looked outside and I saw smoke billowing out the back of the house.

“It was all of a sudden and I didn’t hear anything before. There were lots of police and fire engines there.

“It’s a real shame.”

In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: "Greater Manchester Police responded to an incident at Garners Lane, Stockport on Friday 19 May 2023 at around 5am.

"Emergency services were in attendance into a reported fire to make the property safe. A man was found in a life-threatening condition and has since sadly passed away despite the best attempts of emergency service personnel.

"His family are being supported by specially-trained officers at this time. Enquiries are continuing to establish the full