A neighbour has spoke of his shock after a man died in a property fire close to Wrexham town centre.

Firefighters, police and ambulance crews descended on Crescent Close, Smithfield, at about12.30pm on Thursday.

A spokesman for the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a man had died in the blaze.

The victim has been named locally as Jamie Keating.

Speaking to the Leader, Colin Griffiths a neighbour, said he had last seen Mr Keating, believed to be in his forties, yesterday morning.

Mr Griffiths said he returned to his home at around 12.15pm and noticed smoke coming from an upstairs window.

He added: "He was a really nice and friendly man, who was living next door when I moved in here in November 2000."

Colwyn Road resident Keith Gregory, a former Wrexham councillor for Smithfield whose home backs on to the properties in Crescent Close, said he first noticed the "commotion" at about 12.45pm.

He said: "It looked like it was the top flat, there was smoke and I saw the engines trying to get down Crescent Road to Crescent Close.

"There were lots of fire engines, at least two ambulances, paramedics, and lots of police keeping everyone away.

"Some of the residents I've spoken to this afternoon had seen the smoke, gone round there and had been banging on the door but said they couldn't get an answer.

"When they got it open, they found the body. It's another very sad incident.

"No-one from the emergency services is saying much and I don't know the man but someone said he was in his forties."

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service officers said they were called to reports of a fire at the property shortly after 12.20pm.

The spokesman added: "Two appliances were mobilised to the incident and breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet were used to tackle the fire.

"Sadly a man died in the incident.

"A joint investigation by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police is now underway."

The property has been boarded up by Wrexham Council.