A pensioner has died after a blaze ripped through his flat in a block of sheltered accommodation.

Malcolm Canning sustained life-threatening burns when the fire broke out in the bedroom of his second floor flat.

The 66-year-old died later in hospital hours later.

Other elderly residents had to be evacuated from Patching Lodge in Freshfield Road, Brighton, during the blaze at 7.30pm on Thursday.

Six engines from Brighton, Hove, Barcombe and Newhaven, attended the incident and crews rescued Mr Canning.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, along with another man, but died later that evening from his injuries.

Yesterday fire investigation officers were at the scene.

A fire service spokesperson said: "All the emergency services in attendance worked hard together to ensure the safety of residents during this stressful incident.

“We are now looking at the cause of the fire and would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased."

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said the cause of the fire is still under investigation but is not thought to be suspicious.

Patching Lodge is owned by Hanover housing and is managed in partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council.

In a joint statement the organisations said: "We are very sorry that as a result of a fire in his apartment last night our resident Mr Malcolm Canning died in hospital.

“The automatic fire systems alerted the fire brigade and emergency services attended very quickly.

“We would like to thank our partners who worked closely with Hanover and the city council, including Supportacare, the emergency services, and the Red Cross for the excellent support in dealing with this incident.

“Our thoughts are with those closest to Mr Canning at this very sad time."

No other properties were damaged by the fire and residents were able to spend the night in their own homes.