A popular man described as a "true gentleman" by loved ones has died after being fatally injured in a fire above a town centre sweet shop.

Dozens of firefighters were called to a flat in Albion Hill, Ramsgate, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The flames were extinguished by 7.25am, but resident Richard Brown, who was inside the property at the time of the incident, was passed into the care of paramedics.

And this morning, it has been revealed the 71-year-old has died.

Writing online, friend Macy Hibbert said: "Richard was a wonderful friend who touched the lives of so many people.

"Words don’t describe what an amazing, caring and loving person he was.

"He was a true gentleman who would do anything for anyone.

"He was so truly loved by those around him, and he will be extremely missed.

"We would like for everybody to celebrate the great life he had, by having a toast of whisky in his memory."

Fire crews searched the property, which is located above Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, before fighting the flames just after 3am.

More than four hours later, the blaze was brought under control and forensic officers were spotted at the scene.

A police spokesman has told KentOnline that a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

He added: "The fire is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner."

Originally from Derbyshire, Richard had been working at Belgian Cafe in Harbour Parade for a number of years.

Its owner, Andy Barrett, rushed to the flat at 4am on Sunday after being told of the fire.

"When I got down there, the roof had already gone. It was dreadful," he said.

“Everyone’s devastated. When Richard met people, he would make them feel amazing and he cared about them.

"He just loved life. There are very few people who don’t know him in Ramsgate."

Ms Hibbert has launched a GoFundMe page to raise £4,000 for the pensioner's funeral, but says "the more we raise, the better we can make the day".

"We are all devastated by Richard's passing, and due to the sudden loss, we were not prepared for the cost of a funeral service," she explained.

"We want to give Richard the memorial he deserves, to honour his memory and say our last goodbyes."

Click here to donate.

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