Man dies in unit blaze near Newcastle

A male body has been found after a fire ripped through a unit in the NSW Hunter region.

Neighbours reported the blaze at a complex on Mordue Parade in Jesmond, near Newcastle, just after 1am on Sunday, police say.

When emergency services arrived the unit was already well alight and they were unable to enter because of the intense heat.

After the fire was extinguished, a badly burnt body was found inside and forensic methods are needed to identify it, police say.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.