A care home resident has died after setting himself on fire accidentally while smoking.

The tragic incident took place at Athena Care Homes’ Goodwins Hall Care Home in Kings Lynn on 13 February.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said:  “We were called at 4.30pm on Monday 13 February to Goodwins Road in King’s Lynn with reports that a man had suffered serious burns.

“An ambulance, ambulance officer and the Magpas Air Ambulance were sent to the scene. The patient, an adult man, was transported by road to the Norfolk and Norwich University, with medics from the air ambulance also travelling to provide advanced critical care.” 

The man sadly later died from his injuries.

A spokesman for Athena Care Homes said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one of our residents following an incident at Goodwins Hall Care Home.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the resident’s family and friends. The whole Athena family has been deeply affected by this incident, which took place on Monday, 13 February. We continue to offer support to our team and residents at our home.

“We are working with all relevant authorities, as such we cannot comment further at this stage.”