David BaleFlowers have been laid outside the home of a 69-year-old man, whose body was found at his fire-ravaged home in north Norfolk.David Bale

Flowers have been laid outside the home of a 69-year-old man, whose body was found at his fire-ravaged home in north Norfolk.

William King, from The Street, Upper Sheringham, was pronounced dead at his home on Monday, April 12.

Yesterday, Norfolk Coroner William Armstrong opened and adjourned the inquest into his death.

He said concerned neighbours called the police at about 11.30am on Monday. They told police they were concerned about Mr King's welfare as the windows were blackened and a fire had happened at the property.

Police attended and Mr King's body was found in the kitchen, the inquest heard. There was no sign of life and he was pronounced dead.

A post mortem examination was carried out, but the cause of death has not yet been established. Mr King's body was identified by his daughter Joanna King.

The Norwich inquest heard that he was a married, retired window cleaner who had been born in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Last night, flowers had been placed outside his home. One read: 'Billy, reunited with your brother and sister. Your worries are over at last. Grant you ever lasting peace'.

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Sheringham and Cromer were sent to the address on Monday morning, plus a fire and investigations team.

The fire service's report was handed to Norfolk police, which confirmed officers attended the property from about 11.30am on Monday.

A police spokeswoman said: 'The body of a male…was discovered in the property which had been damaged by fire. The death is currently being treated as unexplained, but is not believed to be suspicious. The cause of the fire is yet to be established.'