Electric bike caused Bristol tower block fire which resulted in man's death, investigators say

An electric bicycle is thought to have caused a fire at a tower block in Bristol, investigators have said.

Emergency services were called to the blaze on the top floor of Twinnell House on Wills Drive, in the Easton area of the city, at about 2.15am on Sunday.

A man is believed to have fallen to his death after climbing out of a window to escape the fire, which resulted in eight people being treated in hospital.

One person continues to receive treatment for minor burns.

Avon Fire and Rescue area manager Steve Quinton, who conducted the fire investigation, said prevention measures, including external cladding, worked and contained the blaze to the flat where it began, which had been fitted with a smoke alarm.

He said investigators identified the cause of the fire as "accidental, due to an electric bike".

"After seeing the tragic fire, understandably, local people are concerned about fire risk in their own homes, whether they live in flats in the city or otherwise," he added.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that it is believed "the man fell after he climbed out of a window to try and escape the fire".

Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes at Bristol City Council, said: "We'd like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of the person who sadly lost their life on Sunday."

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Around 90 residents were evacuated from the 17-storey building and a rest centre was set up at St Nicholas Of Tolentino RC Church at Lawfords Gate.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service sent 11 fire engines to the scene, along with two turntable ladders and other specialist vehicles.