Cape Breton Regional Police are investigating a fatal fire in Whitney Pier, N.S.

Police responded to a home on Robert Street around 9 p.m. Monday. Fire crews were already on scene and had found the body of a man inside.

The owner of the duplex says no one had been living in the building because the structure is unsafe.

“I had no idea until I got a call this morning that they found a body here. I was shocked, actually,” said owner Danny Ellis.  

Neighbours believe the victim was homeless.

“I never seen him before though, how he looks or how old he is,” said neighbour Conn Banfield.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

“They had to find some place to stay. It's abandoned and the power is still on over there. I guess they figured it's a good place to stay warm,” said neighbour Carmel Cheetham.

Ellis plans to build low income apartments on this property and figures the man found inside was trying to escape the cold.

“It's emotional. Very emotional,” said Ellis. “Just the fact that somebody would have to be in a building of that state. I don't know who it is or what it is. I had no reports of any break-ins. We checked on it early last week and there was no foot prints around the building.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.