A police investigation has been launched after a man was found dead in a house fire in Croydon.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled the blaze in Chelsham Road just before 12pm on August 31.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found a man inside the home, who was pronounced dead shortly after.

Six further people had left a neighbouring property before the arrival of the brigade.

Part of the ground floor of an end-of-terrace house was damaged by the fire, which was dealt with in just over an hour.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Sadly, a man has died following a house fire on Chelsham Road in South Croydon.

“Part of the ground floor of an end-of-terrace house was damaged by fire.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found a man in the home, who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Six further people left a neighbouring property before the Brigade arrived. 

“The Brigade was called at 1156 and the incident was over for firefighters at 1301.

“Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Croydon, Woodside and Norbury fire stations attended the scene. 

“The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.”