COUNTY NEWS: Elderly man dies in flat blaze

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

A man in his seventies has died in a flat fire.

Emergency services were contacted just before 9am today (Wednesday, April 27) about a fire at a second-floor flat in Maltravers Court in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton.

West Sussex Fire Service deployed two fire engines to tackle the blaze.

Ambulances and police were also at the scene.

Firefighters and police at the scene of a fire in Maltravers Court in Maltravers Road, Littlehampton

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

“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.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police added: “The fire is now out, but police and fire investigators remain at the scene to establish the circumstances of the fire.