Chidham house fire couple death an '˜absolute tragedy'

Shocked neighbours have described the death of an elderly couple following a bungalow fire as an '˜absolute tragedy'.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Feb 2016, 13:54 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 18:40 BST

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A murder probe has been launched following the couple's deaths at Maybush DriveA murder probe has been launched following the couple's deaths at Maybush Drive
A murder probe has been launched following the couple's deaths at Maybush Drive

A major response from the fire service and police was mobilised to the ‘severe fire’ at a property in Maybush Drive, Chidham, on Sunday morning.

Firefighters searching the bungalow wearing breathing apparatus found two casualties who were confirmed as deceased at the scene.

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According to neighbour they were a couple in their 70s who had lived in Maybush Drive for more than 30 years.

Neighbours called it a tragedy and said the couple were in their 70sNeighbours called it a tragedy and said the couple were in their 70s
Neighbours called it a tragedy and said the couple were in their 70s

One near neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s just a tragic accident as far as we are concerned.

“We had the two ladies from the next-door bungalows at ours all morning, they were shaken and very upset.

“I did not know them (the couple) intimately but they were friendly and I used to speak to him about gardening. They have lived on this road about as long as we have which is 30 years plus.”

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Another neighbour added: “It’s an absolute tragedy. At first I thought it was fog which is unusual to see here, but when I realised it was smoke from the house I rang 999, and was told emergency services were just about to get here.

Images of the damage caused by the fatal fire in Chidham, taken the next day (Sunday)Images of the damage caused by the fatal fire in Chidham, taken the next day (Sunday)
Images of the damage caused by the fatal fire in Chidham, taken the next day (Sunday)

“I didn’t realise anybody had died until I was speaking to a friend who told me, it’s not something you expect to happen.

“There was masses of fire engines and police cars so you couldn’t get out of the road.”

Police are yet to formerly identify the two people who died.

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Investigations are still taking place to determine the cause of the blaze.

Two people died in a bungalow fire in ChidhamTwo people died in a bungalow fire in Chidham
Two people died in a bungalow fire in Chidham

A heavy police presence remained in the road on Monday, with forensic teams continuing to take evidence from the scene.

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