A pensioner from St Albans has died in a "tragic accident" after a discarded cigarette is believed to have caused a fire in his bedroom.

Emergency services were called to Cyrils Way at 7.15pm on Friday, where a 72-year-old man - who neighbours refer to as Danny - was found dead in the bedroom of a ground floor flat.

Joy Mullen lives in the same block of flats. The 81-year-old said: "At around 6pm on Friday Danny's carers came round and discovered the fire. If they hadn’t of come then it could have been so much worse."

Three fire engines, from St Albans and Borehamwood, were sent to the address - arriving on the scene within nine minutes. 

Firefighters found the flat heavily smoke-logged and rescue teams in breathing apparatus immediately entered the building to search for the occupant. 

Mrs Mullen continued: "The emergency services got here so quickly, they were great. 

"All the neighbours came out to find out what was going on, and one even tried to go in and rescue Danny. It was heroic. 

"All hell let loose. The lady in the flat upstairs was evacuated, just as she was making her tea. I put her up in my house. She was obviously traumatised by the events.

"The whole thing is just awful. The last time I saw Danny was on Christmas Eve when I took round some mince pies - because I knew he had a sweet tooth. 

"As far as I am aware he was bed-bound and lived here for around ten years. We would always say hello if we passed each other on the street.

"It is very shocking and sad. You see people in the street, say hello and never expect something like this to happen. We were all very sad to hear that he passed away."

Fire officers are now leading a multi-agency investigation to determine the cause of the fire, but early indications are that it was a "tragic accident".

Firefighters said there was severe smoke damage throughout the flat, but the fire was contained to the bedroom. They also issued an appeal strongly advising against smoking in bedrooms. 

Ted Eacope lives next door to deceased. The 75-year-old said: "The electric went off on Friday night so I went for a nap. When I woke up I saw lots of lights outside and thought it was a bit strange. 

"Then I saw the fire and ambulances. The gentleman kept himself to himself, but if we were passing he would always say hello.

"It is a very sad and tragic accident."

Assistant chief fire officer Doug Robinson said: "It’s always terrible when, despite our best efforts, someone loses their life in a fire and I’d like to offer my condolences to this gentleman’s family and friends. 

"While the investigation is in its early stages, the indications are that a discarded cigarette might have been the cause."

Marie Ruffett said she knew the deceased’s mother. The 70-year-old, who lives in Cyrils Way said: "I am so sorry to hear what has happened.

"I didn’t actually hear the commotion on Friday but have since learnt what happened. What a tragic accident it was. 

"I have been here for 21 years, and he was here for around 15. It is all very sad."

Fire crews and volunteers will be in St Albans over the next few days providing fire safety advice, home fire safety checks and reassurance to the local community.