A bedridden pensioner has become the fifth person to die in a house fire in Essex this year.

Aftermath - emergency services outside the house after the fatal fire. Picture: STEVE ARGENT 40607-4

The 77-year-old, who has not yet been named, was found dead by firefighters after they went into his smoke-filled house in Chaplin Drive, Parson's Heath, Colchester.

A workman had tried to get inside the burning building, kicking out glass in a door panel. Firefighters were about to smash their way in when a meal delivery man arrived and opened the door.

Police and the fire brigade have launched a joint investigation into the blaze, which police said did not appear to be suspicious.

One possible cause is a discarded cigarette, but this has not been confirmed. The house was fitted with a smoke alarm.

Neighbour James Hamilton-Smith, 54, said the man who died had lived alone since the death of his wife about 18 months ago.

The fire was reported just before 1pm yesterday.

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Published Tuesday, January 25, 2005

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