She was close friends with Barbara Windsor and one of her last known public appearances was attending her funeral in January last year. Three fire engines and around 20 firefighters from Ilford and Barking fire stations attended the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.'

Part of the ground floor of a mid-terrace house was damaged by fire. Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. On Tuesday a man was rescued from a first floor flat at the scene by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. He died later in hospital, according to a spokesperson for London fire brigade, but she would not confirm his identity. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan police said that as the fire was deemed “non-suspicious”, the force could not confirm who died in the blaze. It was only after the walls were shored up, and the roof removed, that it became safe enough for search teams to enter the premises,’ he added. Hall said that investigation efforts have been hampered by the scene being ‘too unstable and dangerous’. He added: “I recognised her and would see her every day when I took my children to school. She was a nice old lady and always said hello.”She married fellow comic actor Terry Duggan in 1967, living under this surname away from showbusiness, and bringing up his daughter from a previous relationship, Gloria. In a post on Facebook, the grandfather wrote: “I am devastated to say that the horrendous house fire that took place in Sutton last night leading to four children loosing their life’s [sic] were my amazing smart and beautiful grandsons.

Taking to Reddit, one fan shared a spoiler photo from the soap's next week of episodes, writing alongside it: "There's someone very clearly holding flowers and upset so someone definitely does die in the fire. Bernie and Karen also feature in the pictures." Jason has been our deputy safety officer for over 12 years and all our thoughts are with him at such a distressing time.” The investigation into the cause of the fire continues and I must express my thanks to the London Fire Brigade, their knowledge and experience has been crucial in helping us understand what may have happened that dreadful night.’ Kirti Munnasinghe, 42 said that he was returning from work at around 10.30pm and heard the screams just as he was entering his front door.

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Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Garth Hall said: ‘Firstly, I want to express my sincere condolences to all those affected by this terrible incident. Death of the funeral: Justin Welby warns society is forgetting how to 'cope with loss' as most Britons do not want a religious service when they die due to high costs and a loss of faith Grandfather could be forced to sell his own house after spending thousands of pounds in legal planning disputes after removing his own wall They were] taken too soon they will always be in our hearts and thoughts. Boys I love you forever. Grandad xxx” Friends added that she refused to go into a home, preferring to live in her own property, with regular visits from carers.

Karen is understood to have lived alone with her dog - who managed to escape the fire alive - and was unwell for some time. Neighbour Sunny Soodh said: 'It was awful to hear those screams. We all knew Anna, she was a lovely lady but very isolated in recent times. About three fire engines turned up, two ambulances and the police but they couldn't save her. It's heart breaking and we'll miss her.'

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EastEnders star Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell in the soap, added: 'I just heard the awful news about the wonderful Anna Karen. Horrific and awful and so so sad. This was a very tragic incident and our crews who attended the scene are receiving support from our counselling and trauma service.” Karen made her screen debut in the titillating 1961 film about naturists, Nudist Memories. She had a small part in Ken Loach's gritty 1967 classic Poor Cow and appeared alongside Windsor in 1969 in Carry on Camping. Anna loved Indian food and my sister and I would regularly make it for her because she was on her own, disabled and it cheered her up.' The EastEnders star Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell, said: “I just heard the awful news about the wonderful Anna Karen. Horrific and awful and so so sad. She was one of the best. Sleep well lovely Anna. Sending all my love to her family and friends.”