Man dies in two-storey flat fire

Emergency services were called to Blackthorn Road, Witham, Essex, on Thursday night

A man has died after an accidental fire in a two-storey flat.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called by a neighbour to the maisonette flat on Blackthorn Road, Witham, at 22:36 GMT on Thursday.

It said when firefighters arrived, within six minutes, it found a "well-developed fire affecting both floors" that was put out by 01:00 on Friday.

Police said the man died at the scene "as a result of the incident".

The fire service confirmed the cause of the blaze "was accidental".

"Inquiries surrounding the circumstances of the fire are ongoing and we are continuing to liaise with fire investigators", police added.