Neighbours pay tribute to man killed in flat fire

Firefighters and police at the scene of a fire in Maltravers Court in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

Emergency services were called to a second-floor flat in Maltravers Court, Maltravers Road just before 9am.

Firefighters were sent from Littlehampton fire station, just across the road from where the incident happened. Ambulances and the police were also called to the scene.

A statement issued by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service earlier today confirmed the fatality.

A spokesman said: “A fire engine from Littlehampton was at the block of flats, which is located opposite the fire station, almost immediately and a breathing apparatus team began a search of the property.

“Firefighters discovered a man, believed to be in his 70s, in the bedroom. Sadly, the man was declared deceased at the scene. The fire, which was contained to the bedroom, was extinguished using a hose reel. A second crew from Littlehampton and a crew from Worthing also attended.”

Investigators from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police are still looking into the cause of the fire.

Desmond Colliss, who lives on the ground floor of Maltravers Court, said his property had not been affected by the incident and that the only sign of fire was some smoke.

The 54-year-old paid tribute to his neighbour. “He would always say hello and speak to you if you saw him. He was a really nice chap,” he said.

A neighbour living in Fitzalan Road nearby said: “I’m very sorry to hear the chap is now deceased. It is such a great tragedy.”

Bobbie Dore, 78, of Fitzalan Court in Maltravers Road also shared her sympathies. “It is so sad when someone dies like that so unexpectedly,” she said.

Police cordoned off Maltravers Road at around 9am, but the road has since been reopened.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LittlehamptonGazette

3) Follow us on Twitter @LhamptonGazette

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Littlehampton Gazette - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.