A man has died following a flat fire in Chigwell.

Firefighters, police and ambulance crews were called to the scene in Gravel Close at around 3.30pm yesterday (May 10) following reports of a flat on fire.

Two fire engines from Loughton called for an additional crew from Hainault when they arrived due to concerns that someone was inside the burning property.

Crews in breathing apparatus made a search of the property and found an unconscious man.

Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The fire was extinguished by 4.40pm.

A joint police and fire investigation has been launched in a bid to establish the cause.