A 95-YEAR-OLD man died after a “fireball” ripped through his home.

Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters were called to a flat in Upton Road, Plumstead, last Friday (July 24), at 9.27am.

By around 10am the fire was under control, but the man, believed to be called Herbert Burbidge, was found dead in the home.

Neighbour Lee Smith, 23, tried to save the man after seeing the flames shooting out of the living room window and curling up to the roof.

He said: “The flames had made a fireball in the living room.

“I ran upstairs and put a wet tea towel over my mouth. Instinct took over when I heard him in there.

“I tried to get in and could hear popping sounds, could see plastic and wood falling down and black smoke coming out the door.

“I heard the man call, ‘help me, get me out’.

“When we went inside I was crying my eyes out because I couldn’t get in there.

A large amount of the property was damaged and the cause of the blaze, which is not being treated as suspicious, is under investigation.

An inquest into the death is due to open this week.

Did you know the man or did you witness the fire? Call the newsroom on 01689 885 790 or leave your tributes below.