A man in his 50s died in an Ipswich flat fire, police have confirmed. 

Emergency services were called to the scene of the fire in Crocus Close just off Lavender Hill at about 10.40am on Tuesday. 

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service confirmed on Tuesday that there had been a loss of life as a result of the fire. 

Neighbours spoke of their sadness following the fatal flat fire. 

Neighbour Liliana Turcanu said: "I was at a GP appointment when it happened but it is absolutely shocking. It’s very sad.”

Her thoughts were echoed by another resident in the area in a nearby shop.

Chantry Residents Community Shop employee David King, 62, said: “I was working in the back of the store then I came out and saw the smoke barrelling out up into the sky near the trees.

“I heard the sirens and fire engines turn up and the police.

“Nothing like this has happened before."

Speaking at the scene on Tuesday, station manager Alex Smith had confirmed a person had died.

He said: "Today crews from Ipswich attended a well-developed flat fire and sadly there has been a loss of life despite the best efforts of crews. 

"A full investigation will take place with fire and police working together and to work out the cause of this incident."

Suffolk police confirmed the man's next of kin have been informed and a file will be prepared for the coroner. 

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.