Man found dead in Worthing maisonette fire
A man has been found dead by fire crews called to a blaze in a first-floor maisonette in West Sussex.
The alarm was raised by a neighbour at 05:15 GMT after the windows of the converted terraced house in Gratwicke Road, Worthing, blew out.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue said after dialling 999 the person attempted to enter the property but was beaten back by fire, intense heat and thick smoke.
The victim is believed to have lived alone in the maisonette.
Fire crews said the blaze is thought to have started in the lounge area, and early indications were that it could have been due to discarded smoking materials.
Neighbouring properties were temporarily evacuated while the fire was brought under control.