A murder investigation has been launched after a man died and four other people were injured in a house fire in Wolverhampton in the early hours of the morning.

Five people were in the house, in Plascom Road, when the blaze broke out at around 1am on Tuesday, West Midlands Police said.

A man, aged 26, died in hospital while a 16-year-old boy is in a life-threatening condition.

A woman aged 52 suffered life-changing burns and two other men, one in his 50s and a second in his 20s, have been discharged following treatment at hospital.

Two fire crew members standing beside a fire engine look at a burnt-out house in Wolverhampton
The fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday (Jacob King/PA)

Superintendent Martin Hurcomb, of Wolverhampton Police, said: “This is a tragic incident which has resulted in one person losing their life, and four others being hurt.

“We’re working flat out to understand what happened and why, and who was responsible.

“Forensic experts are examining the scene and the cordon is expected to remain in place for the rest of the day.

“Officers will be in the area over the coming days to offer reassurance while detectives are also in the area to speak to witnesses and gather CCTV.”

Police are asking anyone with information to call 101, quoting log 218 of June 25.