Tributes paid to Shoreham character

Arthur Man, 85, who used to be seen around town wearing an eye patch and cap, was overwhelmed by the flames and smoke in his ground-floor flat at Pashley Court, Surry Street, Shoreham.

The blaze broke out at 6pm last Wednesday '“ National No Smoking Day '“ and quickly took hold of the flat.

Despite the efforts of neighbour Tony Lovell, Mr Man died before anyone could rescue him.

Mr Lovell, 44, said he had had absolutely no chance of overcoming the fierce flames.

"I tried to wet a blanket to throw over him, but I was beaten back by the smoke and flames. It was unbelievable how quickly it took hold."

Mr Man's niece, Worthing borough councillor Chris Brown, paid tribute to her uncle.

She said: "Uncle Arthur was a real character. Children in Shoreham called him the pirate because of his eye patch and the cap he wore.

"He was quite well known in the town, but had become housebound the last year because his disabled buggy was stolen and he couldn't get out owing to breathing problems. He still smoked and liked a drink, though. He was an old reprobate, really."

'¢ For full tribute, see this week's Shoreham Herald