An investigation into the cause of a fatal flat fire which claimed the life of a Bermondsey man is still ongoing.
London Fire Brigade say they are still investigating a blaze which engulfed a third-floor flat at Lunar House, in Bermondsey Wall West, and sadly led to the death of a man.
The man, named locally as Ian Paton and described by a neighbour as a barrister “in his late forties or early fifties”, died at the scene after medics attempted to resuscitate him.
A spokesman for the fire service told the News that the investigation is still ongoing and that a file will be prepared for the coroner, who will determine the cause of death.
Police have concluded their investigation and say the cause of the fire was not deemed suspicious, a spokeswoman told the News.
“Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the fire,” she added.
No arrests have been made.
Four fire engines and 21 officers rushed to the scene from Dockhead, Old Kent Road, Deptford and Dowgate fire stations after they were called at 5.35pm on Tuesday, December 20.
Police also attended at 6pm and the fire in the one-bedroom flat was brought under control by 7.23pm.
Speaking to the News at the time, a neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said residents in the building had to be evacuated.
“The fire brigade were called when someone saw smoke from outside the building,” he said. “We all had to be evacuated; it was frightening.
“I left without my coat and barely anything on. I took a deep breath and ran from my flat down the stairs, and bumped into one of the firemen.
“He [the man who died] lived on my floor. I would see him in the lift; we would speak and he was friendly.”
The victim’s next of kin were informed.