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Respects paid to fire death victim
A pensioner died after a fire at his Langney terraced house despite the efforts of his brave neighbours.
Fire crews arrived at Biddenden Close at around 4.40am on Saturday but the 81-year-old, who has not yet been formally identified but was known by locals as Peter Townsend, was found dead.
Neighbours Peter Hardy, 72, and his son Vincent, 42, were woken by the smell of smoke before phoning 999 and attempting to enter the house.
The pair cut their feet on shattered glass and were taken to Eastbourne DGH with the injuries.
Peter said, "We opened the front door and a terrible thick smoke was billowing down the street.
"I saw flames about six feet tall at Peter's lounge window.
"We ran buckets of water backwards and forwards, throwing it through the window which the flames must have smashed."
The Gazette understands the elderly resident lived alone and was found on the sofa in the lounge.
Vincent said, "I tried to lean in the window to see if we could get in but the smoke was so toxic from the burning sofa we couldn't get in.
"He was on the sofa underneath the window so I was leaning over him but I couldn't see him - there wasn't a lot else we could have done."
Fire crews from Eastbourne and Pevensey used breathing apparatus when tackling the flames and Sussex Police carried out forensic examinations.
A police spokesman later confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Fire investigator Peter Cox said there were two smoke alarms installed in the house - one was in working order but the other had a missing battery.
Mr Cox, from East Sussex Fire and Rescue, said, "Although we would like to stress the importance of smoke alarms, in this case the alarm that was not in working order would have made no difference to the outcome of this fire.
"We believe the fire started in the ground floor kitchen and that Peter Townsend was in the room of origin at the time.
"However, all smoke alarms should be tested weekly and we would like to push that message."
It is thought Peter and Vincent Hardy may have stopped the fire spreading to neighbouring homes and Mr Cox said he 'commended their efforts'.
Vincent said, "We tried our hardest to save Peter but it was in vain. We don't want to be known as heroes because we tried but failed and you would hope anyone would do the same."
Mr Cox added, "Sadly their efforts were not enough in this instance but we always stress that people should not put themselves at risk."
Neighbour Patricia Elms said, "I was asleep when it happened but my daughter came round here just after 6am and she saw the fire engines.
"He lived on his own and drank in the Martello.
"I spoke to him when I saw him to say hello but he really kept himself to himself."
A Martello regular and a good friend of the man, added, "He was a gentleman, well-liked in the area and would do anything for anybody.
"He was an independent man and would often come in smartly dressed, with a collar and tie. He will be missed."
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 12 February 2012
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