A DISCARDED cigarette caused a house fire that killed a Hampshire pensioner, an inquest heard.

Michael Ian Forrest, 79, died in his house on Escombe Road in Bishopstoke, following the blaze.

Fire crews were called to the property at 6.50am after smoke was seen billowing from the house.

Neighbour Keith Baker said: “I have seen his mobility scooter parked outside his house. I assumed he fell asleep while having a cigarette. I was banging on the door and had no response.”

Mr Baker forced the door and managed to open it but said all the rooms downstairs were empty. He tried to go upstairs but said the smoke was too thick and discovered from the police that Mr Forrest had died in the fire.

Damien Watts, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services, told the Winchester hearing that the 79-year-old was discovered on the bedroom floor.

He added that the fire started up to two hours earlier and was caused by a discarded cigarette setting the bed or his clothes on fire.

Based on the evidence gained at the scene, the fire investigation team concluded that the most likely cause of the fire was the ignition of combustible items such as bedding or clothing, by the careless disposal of smoking material.

The court heard Mr Forrest, a retired Royal Navy captain, was a smoker and drinker.

In April 2017 he told his GP he had no intention of stopping drinking. However, Cybil Kunaka, the carer who visited him the night before the fire, said Mr Forrest did not appear to be drunk and was in a good spirit.

Pathologist Hayley Burnely said burns, the house fire and alcoholic liver disease caused Mr Forrest’s death, after examinations showed he was not poisoned and had not inhaled smoke.

Coroner Sarah Whitby recorded a verdict of accidental death.