Bristol flats blaze leaves one man dead Published duration 7 September 2014

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A 61-year-old man has died in a fire in a 13-storey block of flats in Bristol, Avon Fire and Rescue has said.

Up to 40 firefighters and eight crews tackled the blaze which began on the seventh floor of Carolina House in Dove Street, Kingsdown, at about 11:00 BST.

Residents were evacuated from the building but some were later allowed to return to their homes.

Dozens of people were taken to a nearby church. Several roads in the area were also closed.

A fire service spokesman said the blaze was now out and it was in the "early stages" of investigating the cause.

'Brave' people

It has emerged people from a nearby bail hostel spotted the fire and helped to evacuate residents.

Ch Insp Kevan Rowlands said: "Three young residents of a nearby bail hostel spotted the fire...and bravely went inside to knock on doors and warn residents before the emergency services arrived.

"They also tried to break down the door of the flat where the fire broke out.

"Residents have been full of praise and said these young men helped get people out of the flats very quickly.

"I've written a letter of thanks to each of them to formally recognise their public-spirited actions."