A bedridden pensioner has become the fifth person to die in a house fire 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.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, January 25, 2005
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