Cigarette fire killed man living in sheltered flat

A man living in sheltered accommodation burned to death while sitting in his armchair, a coroner said.

Flames sparked by a discarded cigarette broke out at Michael Shirley's flat in Baxter Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, on 11 April.

The 68-year-old died from breathing in smoke and a "severe burn injury", Essex Coroner's Court was told.

Paying tribute to her father, Laura Shirley said: "He loved a good laugh and had a grand sense of humour."

Two fire crews found Mr Shirley's first-floor flat was ablaze and "heavily smoke-logged" after being called at 11:42 BST.

Firefighters entered the property using breathing apparatus and extinguished the flames, but said the occupant died at the scene.

Area coroner Michelle Brown said the circumstances in which Mr Shirley died were not suspicious.

"The severely burnt body of this 68-year-old gentleman was found sitting in an armchair in the flat," she said, opening an inquest into his death.

The blaze was recorded as accidental by firefighters, who said it was caused by a lit cigarette.

Prior to the inquest, Ms Shirley told the BBC her father was a keen dog lover who inspired her passion for art and drawing.

"I have great memories of him driving me and my mother up to Alton Towers and we all had such a lovely time there," the 26-year-old added.

Fire station manager Rick Williams said his thoughts went out to the family.

"We would encourage anyone who smokes to make sure cigarettes are properly stubbed out and you avoid smoking while tired, if you've been taking strong medication or you've had a drink," he said at the time of the incident.

The full inquest was adjourned until a later date.

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