FIREFIGHTERS found an 88-year-old man dead in his Sutton Heath home.

Neighbours called the fire service after smelling smoke in Samuel Street at 11.30pm on Friday (November 21).

Three fire engines attended but the man, Eric Houghton, had died before the firefighters entered his home.

There were no smoke alarms in the house.

Audrey Corden, who lives in the street and knew Mr Houghton, said: “It is tragic, such a shame. 

“It was awful. One neighbour smelled smoke and called the fire service and they were here in three minutes. They kicked his front door in and the smoke that came out filled the street.”

She added: “He was a nice man, no trouble, would stop and talk to you if he walked past. He would come out and feed the birds sometimes. Such a shame.”

An investigation into the cause is ongoing but at this stage it is suspected to be accidental. An inquest into Mr Houghton’s death will be held. 

People with elderly relatives can request a Home Fire Safety Check by calling 0800 7315958.