A man was found dead after flames tore through his top-floor flat in north London last night.
More than 20 people were evacuated from the modern block in Potters Road, New Barnet, as the fire which is thought to have been started accidentally took hold in the the three-storey block.
Witnesses described the moment the flat was engulfed in flame as “like a scene from EastEnders”. Windows shattered in the intense heat, which left the interior a charred shell.
The dead man, believed to be in his 50s, was found dead in the living room.
Local bus services were diverted for several hours as the street was closed to traffic.
Scarlet Pestell wrote on Twitter: “It’s like EastEnders down on Potters road, 999 and all that everywhere.”
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police were called by London Fire Brigade at 7.30pm regarding a fire at a flat in Potters Road, New Barnet.
“LFB extinguished the fire and discovered the body of what is believed to be a man inside the flat.
“Officers are yet to identify the man and next of kin have not been informed.
“Around 20 people were evacuated from the neighbouring properties but there were no other injuries.
“Fire investigators are currently treating the fire as non-suspicious.”
