Elderly man perishes in house fire

Seventy-six-year-old Eric Fenty perished in a house fire, which destroyed his Kew Road, Bank Hall home around 11: 20 last night.

According to police, a passer-by observed a small fire at the rear of the house and he tried to gain entry via a side door but failed.

With the help of a second man, he finally gained entry into the house and they attempted to lift Fenty who was in bed to safety, but the heat and the smoke forced them to flee.

Ten fire officers and two fire tenders responded to the blaze.

Police are continuing investigations.