Pensioner dies after fire in Leasowe flat



A PENSIONER died after a blaze at a third-storey flat in Leasowe last night.

Firefighters were called to the property on Leasowe Road at around 9.20pm.

The man, thought to be in his 70s, was rescued from the blaze but died later at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Three other people from neighbouring flats - a 65-year-old man, a 38-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman - were all led to safety.

They were treated for smoke inhalation but refused further treatment.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.

A spokeswoman for Mersey Fire and Rescue said the flat was fitted with fire alarms which did activate.

More later.

THE GLOBE

Was this at the flats by Wallasey Village station? There has been a fire engine, a divisional commanders car, and what look's like a SOC car outside for ages.

my friend owns the dog groomers next door to the flats she said it was bedlam out side. poor bloke R.I.P

RIP Sir

bad news that

Popular Wirral pensioner who was rescued from flat fire has died



A PENSIONER rescued from his third floor flat by firefighters has died.

The man, named locally as Joseph, died in hospital following the fire on Leasowe Road, Wallasey, on Sunday night.

The 77 year-old man, who has yet to be formally identified, was rescued from his third floor flat by firefighters.

They were called at 9.30pm and evacuated all twelve flats, leading three residents from the top floor to safety.

Yesterday shocked neighbours spoke of their upset of the loss of ‘Joe’ who they said had lived in the building for a long time.

Mary Baker, 88, said: “The first I knew about the fire was when people started banging on my front door.

“As soon as I opened it there was thick smoke billowing down the stairs and the smell of burning.

“We were all taken outside for around an hour before it was safe to go back inside.”

She added: “Joe was very friendly and liked by everyone in the building.

“He was very well thought off and had created our garden out the back.

“He had it looking lovely with all the colourful plants and gnomes.

“In the summer he would grow tomatoes and bring them round to everyone and only the other day I saw him clearing the snow off the bins and clearing a pathway for us.”

It’s thought Joe, who was born in Ireland, used to work in one of Liverpool’s big department stores up until his retirement.

He was well known in the area and used to play bingo with friends living nearby.

Another resident, said: “He was really nice and was very fit for his age and used to walk everywhere.

“It’s so upsetting to hear that he’s died.

“I heard the fire alarm going off and just thought it was someone who had burnt toast but then there was a knock at the door and we had to get out.”

Firefighters battled for over two hours to bring the blaze under control.

One appliance from Wallasey and two from Birkenhead used hose reels and breathing apparatus to tackle the flames before leaving the scene at 12.30am.

It’s unclear how the fire started and Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are carrying out a joint investigation

Yesterday two officers were guarding the scene.

A post mortem is due to take place and the case has been passed to the Wirral coroner.

THE WIRRAL NEWS