Firefighters on the scene this morning

FIRE investigators are this morning (Thursday) investigating the cause of a blaze that has killed a man in Kentish Town.

The fire, which started at around 6 am today in a terraced home in Woodyard Close, Queens Crescent, saw 10 engines from stations across north London called to deal with the blaze, which took two hours to douse.

Sadly, firefighters found a man on the ground floor who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five other people escaped unharmed from the house, which had been divided into flats.

The fire brigade received 13 separate 999 calls

The London Fire Brigade told the New Journal that both the ground and first floor of the building had been alight – and after a two-hour battle to bring the flames under control, a large section of the building’s roof had collapsed.

An eye witness, who lives opposite the property, told the New Journal: “I could smell smoke in the air when I woke up and I looked out. Flames were coming out of the top floor windows and it looked like the people who lived there had got out and were being looked after by neighbours in the street. It was awful to see them looking at their home.”

A police cordon has been established

A police cordon was in place from Queens Crescent and Artic Street, with officers saying the area was being treated as a crime scene.

As the smoke filled the skies above Gospel Oak, the fire brigade received 13 separate 999 calls.

More than 70 firefighters from Kentish Town, Hornsey, Soho and Euston came to tackle the fire and this morning investigators are searching through the wreckage for clues to the cause of the fire.

Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council said: “Tragically a Camden resident has died following a fire at his home this morning. All of our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends.

“This has been a traumatic experience for those involved and we are providing emergency help to those who need it. Camden Council officers are on site providing support to residents and assisting the London Fire Brigade.

“I know our communities will come together to support those affected at this very difficult time.”

Council officers remain on site to offer support and advice to any residents in need and a rest centre has been set up locally for those who need it.