Bristol flat fire: Man dies and woman critically ill

A man was rescued by fire crews from the flat but despite receiving treatment, died at the scene

A man has died and a woman is in a critical condition in hospital following a flat fire in Bristol.

The fire broke out in Fishponds Road at about 20:40 BST on Saturday.

A man was brought out of the flat by fire crews but died at the scene. A woman was rescued and taken to hospital with potential life-threatening burns, where she remains critically ill.

At its peak, 55 firefighters tackled the blaze at the flat, which was above a commercial property.

Investigations are now under way to determine the cause of the fire

Jim Wemyss, from Avon Fire and Rescue Service, said it had been a "severe" and "well developed" fire when crews arrived.

"The fire had gone through the roof and with the heat and because some of the roof had collapsed it was quite a difficult incident for our crews," he added.

"This was definitely one of the more serious fires we've attended this year."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said they were investigating what caused the fire but warned it "may take some time because of the condition of the building".

The death has been referred to the coroner.