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Pategill sheltered home blaze: Experts try to stabilise building Pategill sheltered home blaze: Body found
(about 5 hours later)
Firefighters and search experts are trying to stabilise a burnt-out flat so they can search for an elderly man feared to have died in a fierce blaze. Firefighters searching for a 73-year-old man missing since his flat was destroyed in a blaze have found a body in the unstable building.
About 30 elderly and vulnerable people had to leave their homes during the blaze in Lonsdale Court, in Pategill, Penrith. About 30 elderly and vulnerable people had to leave their sheltered accommodation during the blaze in Lonsdale Court, in Pategill, Penrith.
The 75-year-old man, who lived in the flat, has not been seen since the blaze broke out at 09:40 GMT on Saturday. The man, who lived in the flat, had not been seen since the blaze broke out at about 09:40 GMT on Saturday.
Those led to safety were found places at care homes overnight, police said.
The missing man's family has been informed.The missing man's family has been informed.
A police spokeswoman said residents could not go back to their homes because the area was too unstable. Those led to safety were found places at care homes overnight, police said.
'Go in slowly, slowly' Earlier Kevin Johnston, spokesman for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said the flat was on the verge of collapse, but it was made stable enough for a search team to go in and find the body.
Kevin Johnston, spokesman for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We still have one person unaccounted for. Insp Andy Hanson, of Cumbria Police, said: "This has been a distressing incident for all involved, and sadly we are now able to confirm that one person died in the fire.
"We have got some fire investigation work to do on the property itself and we are being helped by a special urban search and rescue team to stabilise the building. "We are now working hard to secure the building to allow the other residents to return to their flats - this is expected to take a considerable amount of time."
"It's close to collapsing. We will go in slowly, slowly - take pictures and try and determine the cause." Many of the residents were taken to Penrith Leisure Centre and an appeal for warm clothes and toiletries was made.
A spokeswoman for Cumbria Police said people could not return to their homes because the area was too unstable. Cumbria Police said they were inundated with donations and now had enough.
She said: "An appeal has been issued for clothing and toiletries following the fire. Insp Hanson said: "I would like to reiterate our thanks local community.
"Pyjamas and nighties are particularly needed - anyone who has items that they are able to donate are asked to please take them to the Penrith Leisure Centre." "We have been so impressed and grateful for the way everyone has come together and donated supplies and help for the residents affected by the fire.
"It is a testament to the community spirit and kindness of people living in Penrith."