Two women who tried to battle a wall of flames to rescue a man trapped in his blazing home were today praised by firefighters.

The women, both carers, were beaten back by the intense heat and were unable to save the 80-year-old man who is thought to have died from smoke inhalation.

Today a full-scale investigation was under way into the cause of the fire in the pensioner's bungalow in High Street, Canvey.

The blaze was discovered at around 6.40pm on Friday by the two carers, on a routine visit to the elderly man.

Canvey fire station commander Martin Pullen said the women were confronted by a wall of flames when they opened the front door.

A passing motorist also stopped and tried to help after realising the bungalow was on fire.

Mr Pullen said: "He and the ladies bravely tried to get to the man, but the heat and the smoke were just too intense.

"We would just like to thank them for their valiant efforts."

More in today's Echo