A HARD of hearing man who tragically died in a house fire last night had tried to escape his home.

David Foster, who was in his 70s, was found unconscious in the heavily smoke-logged building in Warwick Road, Clacton, by firefighters last night.

The alarm was raised at 10.15pm when neighbours reported hearing the smoke alarm.

A spokesperson for the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said they believed he had not heard his smoke alarms.

However, it has since being reported that he had tried to leave but was blocked by belongings in his way.

Kenneth Aldis, 89, of Warwick Road, who lived next door, was in bed when he received repeated calls from the 24-hour Tendring Careline Unit because they thought there was a carbon monoxide leak.

Smoke had travelled into his home and activated a carbon monoxide detector upstairs.

Mr Foster, who lived alone, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Aldis said: "I was dragged out by the fire service who told me next door was on fire and I had to leave so I sat with my neighbours for two hours.

"It wasn't frightening but I was alarmed and confused.

"The smell was acrid like an old smouldering mattress and I thought it could’ve been my electric blanket on fire, but then I got a call from the Tendring Careline to say a signal was coming from my room where the boiler is.

"My throat was getting all clogged up and horrid."

Neighbours described Mr Foster as a friendly man.

At the time Mr Aldis had no idea about the growing fire next door but said when he later went outside, there was "billowing black smoke".

Neil Fenwick, head of community safety at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Initially we believed the occupant had not heard his smoke alarm as we were informed he was hard of hearing.

"However, our investigation has found that the man had been alerted by his working smoke alarms and had attempted to exit his property.

"But due to his exits not being clear, he was unable to leave his property and was overcome by the smoke.

"We urge everyone to make sure their escape routes are kept clear so that in the event of a fire, you and your family can get out as quickly and safely as possible.

"It is also vitally important you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home."

Firefighters from Clacton and Weeley had put out the blaze by 11.10pm.

The brigade has also urged people who are deaf or blind to get special smoke alarms.

Station commander Mark Wilby said: "Essex County Fire and Rescue Service offer alternative alarm systems for people with sensory impairment, which alert the homeowner by vibrating or flashing.

"We urge any Essex resident to take advantage of our home safety visits, where we can discuss your needs and ensure your home is fitted with the most appropriate type of smoke alarm."

Free smoke alarms and home safety visits are available by calling 0300 303 0088.