A man has died after a fire broke out in a flat above the Heart shopping centre.

Crews were called shortly before 12.55am to reports of a fire in a third floor flat above the Walton shopping centre.

The fire had been put out by about 4am but crews were still at the scene this morning.

Seven fire engines were sent to the blaze as well as an aerial ladder platform and a control unit.

Paul Crowther, blue watch manager from Esher fire station, said: "Because people couldn't see outside the flats, it is very difficult to get an accurate location of the fire early on.

"On arrival, smoke was seen from the top of the building.

"Sadly, I understand one person lost their life."

The man who died in fire, believed in his 50s, will not be formally identified for several days, police said. 

Two other people were treated by ambulance crews for smoke inhalation but it is not believed they were in the flat where the fire started.

Surrey Police said about 20 people were evacuated from the building as a precaution while Surrey Fire and Rescue dealt with the fire.

Road closures were also in place in Hepworth Road at the junctions with Bridge Road and High Street, but reopened at 3.45am.

A spokesman for The Heart said: “A fire was reported within the Housing Association residential area of the complex which resulted in the death of a resident. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

“Investigations are taking place and the centre is providing their full co-operation with the relevant authorities.

“Despite recent events, all retailers and businesses are open as usual with no cause for concern to shopper’s safety.

“The centre is participating with the ongoing investigations and no further comment can be made at this stage.

An investigation is being carried out to establish the cause of the fire.