Police launch investigation after man dies in house fire

The Met has launched an investigation after a man died in a house fire on Saturday.

Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters were called  shortly before noon to a home in Chelsham Road, South Croydon.

Part of the ground floor of an end-of-terrace house was damaged by the blaze. 

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found a man inside the home, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the Met.

Six further people evacuated from a neighbouring property before the firefighters arrived. 

Crews from Croydon, Woodside and Norbury fire stations brought the blaze under control within an hour, leaving the scene at around 1pm.

A spokesman from the Met said: “Police were called at around 12.15pm to reports of a fire at a residential address in Chelsham Road, Croydon.

“A man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed.

“Enquiries into the cause of the fire remain ongoing.

“There has been no arrest.”

Pictured top: Chelsham Road in South Croydon, where the fire was reported (Picture: Google Street View)