A man whose flat was ravaged by fire on Saturday morning has said he has been left with "nothing" after the blaze destroyed all of his belongings.

Ranesh Patel had been living above the shop he manages, S and S Newsagents in the Main Parade, Chorleywood, for the past three years.

On Saturday, July 28, at about 7am, he and his nephew Anikit were working in the newsagents sorting papers for sale when the fire broke out.

Mr Patel said: "A customer came into the shop and said they could see smoke coming out from my flat’s windows.

"I couldn’t believe my eyes, the flat was on fire. Anikit ran upstairs to alert my neighbours, while I called 999.

"By the time everyone got out, the flat was in flames, it was all gone."

Six crews from stations including Rickmansworth, Watford, Garston, and St Albans attended the fire and had to use aerial platforms to reach the flames which burnt through the roof of the apartment.

Fire crews initially sprayed a jet hose through the front window of the burning flats while firefighters with breathing masks went in through the back to fight the blaze from inside.

Once firefighters discovered that flames went through the roof via a sky light, another fire crew was called to use an aerial ladder appliance.

An investigation has since discovered the fire started in the hallway of the residential flats and the cause has been recorded as accidental.

Since the fire was extinguished, because of water damage the newsagents has been forced to relocate to a disused shop around the corner.

Through tears Mr Patel, 62, said: "I believe the landlord had the building insured, but I didn’t have any contents insurance - so I’ve lost everything.

"My wife passed away four years ago, so things like mementoes of her, photographs, they’re all gone forever.

"At the moment I’m staying with my eldest son, but it’s going to be hard to come to terms with everything I’ve lost, I’m in shock.

"I didn’t have a fire alarm installed, so if I’d been asleep upstairs when the fire broke out, there’s no doubt in my mind that I’d be dead now.

"I can’t thank the firefighters enough for what they did and the community of Chorleywood, never before have I experienced such kind words of support."