An 82-year-old pensioner was found dead in his smoke-filled lounge after firefighters had to break into his Jaywick home.

Clacton fire brigade was called to the Garden Road bungalow at 10.35pm on Thursday night.

Sub-officer David Warwick said there was smoke coming from the house but no flames.

Four firemen with breathing apparatus entered the house and found the as-yet un-named man. No-one else was in the house at the time and no-one else was hurt.

Mr Warwick added: "The fire had been burning for some while because it was a well-secured house, nothing was open."

The fire was brought under control at about 11.20pm. Essex Police said a full investigation would take place but officers were not treating the fire or the man's death as suspicious.

The dead man's personal details will not be released until relatives are told.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said she had not realised the house was on fire until she saw police and firegfighters.

"I used to worry he would be ill in there. It's very sad," she added.

She said she saw the 82-year-old man out and about but he kept himself to himself.

The coroner has been informed and an inquest will take place.

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