Man in his 40s dies after fire destroys flats

A man has been killed after a fire tore through flats in Cumbria.

Residents in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, woke up to news of a blaze at a property on Main Street shortly before 6am today.

People were evacuated to a temporary shelter at the Methodist Church before being moved to accommodation following the fire while residents were told to keep windows and doors shut.

The emergency services confirmed that one man in his 40s died in the incident.

He was discovered in the property where the fire started and he was declared dead at the scene at about 6.30am, the police said.

Another man took himself to the Lancashire Infirmary with minor injuries and for a check-up for potential smoke inhalation. There are not thought to be other casualties or injuries.

Superintendent Paddy O’Hara, as Chair of the Strategic Co-ordinating Group overseeing the response to the fire, said: ‘The cause of the fire is presently unknown. Investigators from both Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria Constabulary are on hand to enter the building as soon as it is safe to do so.

‘I’d like to thank the emergency services personnel and our partner agencies for all their hard work in Kirkby Lonsdale today, and the local community for their patience.’

Main Street B6254 remains closed as of tonight hours after the fire and people were urged to not travel into the town centre while the emergency services carry out their work at the scene.

‘People are urged not to travel into the town at this time, however further updates will be provided as soon as possible so that the local community and businesses are supported at this sensitive time,’ Cumbria Police said.

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