A pensioner has died in a house fire in Co Galway.

The blaze was noticed at around lunchtime at the property in Shannakeela, Recess.

Neighbours tried to rescue the occupant but were prevented from doing so by the fire and smoke.

The person's body was removed from the house and taken to UCHG where a post mortem will be carried out tomorrow.

Gardai say it's believed the fire started accidentally.