A DONCASTER man has died after a horrific house fire in Blackpool.
George Michael Cronfield, known as Michael or Mick, was rescued from the bathroom of a house on Hornby Road shortly after 6.30am on Saturday.
Police revealed he had travelled from Doncaster to Blackpool and was looking after the house when the fire broke out.
He was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but later died after suffering severe smoke inhalation.
More than 20 firefighters were drafted in to tackle the blaze which broke out in a semi-detached property.
Residents of neighbouring homes were evacuated as fire crews smashed their way in through a side door.
Don Cross, Lancashire Fire Service's incident commander, said: "On arrival there was a fire well alight on the first floor of the property.
"It was very severe and officers had to force entry via and upstairs window.
"Six fire officers in breathing apparatus entered the building and found a male casualty in the first floor bathroom.
"He was taken to hospital, but unfortunately has since passed away.
"We believe the fire began in an upstairs room used as a kitchen. A search of the premises has now been carried out and no other persons were inside."
Seven people who lived in neighbouring houses and flats were escorted from their homes as firefighters tackled the blaze. Neighbour Joe Hinchcliffe said: "We were woken up by the noise of the fire brigade breaking a window to get into the house.
"When I looked out next door was well alight. Only one guy lives there and he was taken up to the hospital. He looked in a bad way, but he was breathing. We were told he was in the bathroom when the firefighters found him.'' An investigation is being carried out by both the fire brigade and Blackpool Police into what triggered the fire.
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