A NEIGHBOUR of a man killed in a flat fire said he heard "a bang and crying" before the blaze broke out.

Victor Flathers, who lives below the gutted flat in Sheepscombe Drive, Warndon, was woken in the early hours of Saturday morning, before the fire which has also left a woman fighting for her life.

"I heard a bang and crying, and then a water boiler blew up," he said. "Water started coming into my kitchen, and I phoned the police."

He said police officers broke into the flat, but were forced back by heavy smoke.

Two fire engines then arrived at the scene and put out the blaze. Forensic workers investigated the scene and a body was removed from the flat shortly before 10am.

Mr Flathers said he did not know the owner of the flat.

"He was very private," he said. "I've never had any trouble with him."

Three police officers were treated in hospital after breathing in smoke.

Worcester fire station officer Adrian Moore said they were called out after smoke was seen coming from the flat.

"When we got here, we were met by the police," he said. "We sent two firefighters with breathing apparatus into the flat and rescued two people.

"We're now helping the police with their investigations."

The woman was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital and later transferred to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, where her condition remains critical.

"We are keeping an open mind as to how the fire started and at this time a full forensic investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire," said Det Insp Kevin Purcell.

"At this time we are not appealing for anyone in connection with this incident."

The body of the man has not been formally identified and his family still have to be informed.