A MAN has died after a fatal fire at a home in Witham. 

Firefighters were called to a two-storey maisonette property in Blackthorn Road on Thursday at 10.36pm by a neighbour.

Two crews from Chelmsford, two from Colchester and crews from Great Baddow, Maldon and an Aerial Ladder Platform from Grays battled the fire. 

A spokesman for the fire service said: "The first crew arrived in six minutes and found a well-developed fire affecting both floors.

"Sadly a man died at the scene.

"Crews extinguished the fire shortly after 1am and remained at the scene overnight to dampen down.

"They left the scene on Friday at 8.20am.

"An investigation carried out has established the cause was accidental."

Essex Police said it had been called to the fire by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesman said: "Sadly, we can now confirm a man has died as a result of the incident.

"His family have been made aware and are being supported.

"Enquiries surrounding the circumstances of the fire are ongoing and we are continuing to liaise with fire investigators."

Witham councillor Ron Ramage said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends on this tragic news with the loss of a life caused from this house fire. 

"Also I would like to thank the fire brigade and the police for their assistance with regard to this incident."