A man has died following what was described as a “very severe” fire at a Bournemouth hostel.

The scene of the hostel fire Photo: Dorset Fire and Rescue Service

Around 35 firefighters were called to the blaze at 2.15 am last Sunday. The fire was so intense that crews had to use 12 breathing apparatus and a compressed air foam system to tackle the blaze.

Four occupants were rescued from the building, but one man was unconscious and in spite of efforts by paramedics, died shortly afterwards in hospital.

The fire is believed to have started in a ground floor store room.

Mike Stead, fire investigation officer, told the Dorset Echo that firefighters had to work under very difficult conditions to save lives and protect the property.

“Crews were faced with a very severe fire on the ground floor. They rescued four occupants using ladders and attempted to stop the fire spreading to the adjacent property.”

A joint police and fire service investigation into the cause of the blaze continues.