A pensioner has sadly died following a devastating house fire in Romford in the early hours of Wednesday morning, April 30.

The blaze broke out at a residential property on Belgrave Avenue, severely damaging the ground floor and part of the first floor of the end-of-terraced house.

Emergency services were called just before 4:40am, after London Fire Brigade received eight separate 999 calls reporting the fire. Five fire engines and around 30 firefighters from Harold Hill, Romford, Hornchurch, and Dagenham fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters rescued one man from the first floor of the property using an internal staircase while wearing breathing apparatus. Tragically, despite efforts from paramedics and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman who was inside the home managed to escape before crews arrived. She was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Another man, who was in a neighbouring property, was also treated for smoke inhalation by emergency personnel.

The fire was brought under control by 6:50am. The cause of the blaze is currently under joint investigation by London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police.

Borough Commander Paul McClenaghan issued a statement expressing condolences, saying:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the man’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

This tragic incident has shocked the local community, and authorities are urging anyone with information or concerns to come forward as investigations continue.