Fire crews were called to Netherfield Hill just before 6.50pm yesterday (Sunday) following reports a person was trapped in a remote cottage at Netherfield Place Farm.

The 45-year-old, who has not yet been named, was pronounced dead at the scene, despite a rescue attempt by firefighters.

The man is believed to have lived alone and was said to be 'profoundly disabled.'

Because of the isolated nature of the property, the fire was only discovered when the man's carer came out to see him.

She raised the alarm when she saw the flames.

Mick Taylor, watch manager at Battle fire station, said: "It was a very remote area.

"For someone to discover this fire would have been unlikely because of the remoteness of the cottage.

"It had been burning for a considerable time."

The blaze broke out on the ground floor of the two-storey property.

Although the fire was contained in one room, the blaze caused smoke damage throughout the building.

Fire crews from Battle and Bohemia Road in Hastings attended the scene.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has passed it's sincere condolences to the dead man's relatives and friends.

Fire investigation officers, working in partnership with forensic scientists, are working to find the cause of the fire.

Anyone with any information about the blaze is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.

• Visit www.ryeandbattle.co.uk for updates on this story.