ELDERLY residents of a care home were evacuated during a blaze that claimed the life of an 83-year-old man.

An investigation is under way into what caused the fire at Esther Randall Court (pictured) in Little Albany Street, Regent’s Park, on Thurs­day morning – although police said the circum­stances are not being treated as suspicious.

Four people – three men and a woman – were rushed to safety in new-style “fire hoods” designed to protect against smoke inhalation. It took more than two hours to put the fire out and two men – both 83 –– were taken to hospital. One of them died there later that day.

The One Housing-run home has 30 flats for the over-65s with communal spaces and 24-hour personal care support.

In 2016 it was named “home of the year” in a national award and the overall CQC rating was “good” in 2021. A spokesman for One Housing praised the fire brigade for a speedy response, adding: “Our sincere condolences are with his family and friends.”