Police officers, first on the scene of a house fire at Tura Beach, rescued a man inside but were beaten back by intense heat when they attempted to re-enter the house.

It wasn’t until fire investigators and police were able to enter the premises on Monday that they found the woman’s body.

The body has not been formally identified; however, it is believed to be a 61-year-old woman.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

EARLIER:

A man woke to find smoke filling his bedroom at a Tura Beach home about 12.30am on Christmas Day and called emergency services.

He told police the couple who lived there were still inside.

The two officers found the 67-year-old man on the floor in the burning building and helped him to safety; however, the intensity of the fire prevented them from searching further.

Firefighters attended a short time later and brought the fire under control.

A crime scene has been established and specialist fire investigators will attend.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and inquiries are continuing.

The 67-year-old man has been taken to the South East Regional Hospital.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online.