NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock after a man was killed in an early morning fire.

The blaze, in the upstairs flat in a detached house in Parkhill Road, Chingford, was spotted by a policeman heading to work at around 7.20am this morning (Wednesday, July 5).

The victim was found by fire crews wearing an oxygen mask and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Teresa Rogers, who lives nearby, had known the victim for the past 15 years as her elderly father lived in the block until his death two months ago.

Mrs Rogers said: “I got a call from my friend who lives just around the corner telling me about the fire at around 7.30am.

“It ripped through the roof so quickly because I know someone who came past at 7.10am and saw nothing. Then ten minutes later a policeman saw it and called the fire brigade.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“I would go in everyday to pick up bits and pieces belonging to my dad and when I was round here Saturday afternoon I saw the man. No one deserves to die like that.”

Six fire engines tackled the blaze and, which was brought under control shortly after 9am. Chingford Fire Brigade was unavailable as it was attending a fire at a school in Hackney.

Mrs Rogers praised the fire crews for saving her father’s “precious” possessions.

She added: “I just can’t believe the whole upstairs flat is completely gutted and my dad’s flat isn’t fire damaged at all.

“It did get a bit water damaged but the fire crews were marvellous and when they arrived they went in and covered my dad’s stuff with sheets so it wouldn’t get wet.

“We’re so grateful that the sentimental items like photos and ornaments have been saved.”

Mrs Rogers’ sister Laraine O’Connor, who lives in Enfield, said her daughter often stays at her grandfather’s flat but luckily she didn’t last night.

She said: “After our father died we were taking our time, just going in and out now and again to sort things but this changed everything.

“I’m just relieved my daughter wasn’t in our dad’s flat when the fire started.

“She often stays there when she comes to Chingford but she left for Magaluf this morning.”

Theeba, owner of Chingford News and Wine in Kings Road, Chingford, said she was “saddened” by the death of one of her regular customers.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Met said the victim’s next of kin have yet to be informed.