Man dies at squatted disused Hackney hostel
A man died in in the early hours of this morning (Saturday) after flames ripped through a former Salvation Army hostel in Lower Clapton Road which it’s believed was being used as a squat.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used ladders to rescue a man and a woman from the first floor of the three storey building after the blaze broke out at 3.58 am Both were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
Two other men fled to safety before the Brigade arrived, one of whom was taken to hospital after suffering injuries trying escape.
Eight fire engines and around 40 firefighters battled for nearly four hours to bring the blaze under control.
Parts of the ground, first and second floors were badly damaged by the blaze, as well as part of the roof.
You may also want to watch:
The body of the man who died was discovered inside the building, He has not been named.
Most Read
- 1 Covid fines worth £39K handed out in Hackney and Tower Hamlets
- 2 Campaigners launch legal challenge against Hackney LTNs
- 3 Old Street roundabout project moves into final phase
- 4 Shop Local: Stoke Newington entrepreneur launches dog accessory business
- 5 Jailed: 'Dangerous' Hackney predator found with 1,600 indecent child images
- 6 Hackney school pupils bag top spots in national architecture competition
- 7 'Common sense' prevails as Stamford Hill testing centre moved out of estate
- 8 Police appeal for help to trace wanted Dalston man
- 9 Union votes to strike over cuts at Hackney schools
- 10 Hackney road closures 'will cost lives', says volunteer ambulance service
The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Brigade’s fire investigation team and officers from the Met Police.
Detectives at Hackney are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information on the fire to call police on 101, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.