THE man who died after a Letchworth GC flat caught alight during the early hours of yesterday morning (Tuesday) has been named.

Police have confirmed that Barry Collings, of Bittern Way in the town, was pronounced dead at the scene after a fire broke out in his first floor flat just after midnight.

The family of the 53-year-old said in a statement: “Barry’s untimely death has come as a tragic shock to his family and friends.

“He was a much loved son, brother and uncle, who had a wide circle of friends.

“We, Barry’s family, request to be left in peace at this traumatic time, to come to terms with his death.”

The cause of the fire, which spread to flats above and below, is being treated as non-suspicious.