Foxton Beach's tight-knit community is reeling after two people died in a house fire today

The home in the Manawatu town went up in flames about 5am - and Police and fire crews are still combing through the remains.

The victims will be formally identified in coming days.

Herald reporter Ethan Manera has been at the scene today.

He says one neighbour told him they were woken at quarter to 5 to loud bangs and saw flames coming up out of the house.