Police name Annan man found dead in house fire

Sharon Liptrott

21 November 2024 at 3:11 pm·1-min read

Joseph Ernest Johnston was found dead at his home in Annan — -Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)

A 58-year-old man found dead in a house fire in Annan has been named as Joseph Ernest Johnston. Police officers were made aware of a fire at a property on Lady Street in the Dumfriesshire town around 6.55am on Tuesday.

Emergency services attended and Mr Johnston's body was found within. Police Scotland Detective Inspector Graeme Robertson said: “Our thoughts are with Joseph’s family and friends at this difficult time and everyone in the local community affected by his death.”

Lady Street is still closed off to traffic as a joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continues. Pedestrian access is being allowed to reach business, just off the High Street.

A Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service investigation is still underway in Annan -Credit:Les Snowdon

A 33-year-old has been charged with murder and wilful fire raising. Gabriel Brown, from Dumfries and Galloway, appeared in private today at Dumfries Sheriff Court charged with murder and wilful fire raising.

He made no plea and was remanded in custody for further examination. He is due to appear in court again next week.

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