A man died after a fire broke out in his Clacton home just yards from the town's fire station.

Four firefighters dragged the 64-year-old from his one-bedroom sheltered accommodation flat at Howard Vyse Court, in St John's Road, after the blaze broke out at about 1.40am yesterday.

Sub-officer John Smith, of Clacton fire and rescue, said: "Four men entered with breathing apparatus and they managed to pull the fellow out.

"But even with the paramedics on the scene there was nothing we could do for him."

Extensive damage was caused to the inside of the flat before the fire was brought under control by the firemen using two hose reels.

The living room, where the man was found, was particularly badly damaged. Sub-officer Smith said: "The room was gutted and the whole flat was smoke-logged."

One neighbour said the whole incident had been over quickly.

Station officer Brian Bennett, of Clacton fire and rescue, said he would be reassuring residents about the safety of the alarm system.

The coroner's officer has been informed.

By David Grocott

Reporter's e-mail: david_grocott@thisisessex.co.uk

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