A cat died following a fire at its owner's home despite the efforts of firefighters to revive it.

At first it was thought an elderly man was in the flat as it filled with choking smoke on Tuesday afternoon.

Fortunately he was out shopping at the time, but his pet was not so fortunate.

The first fire engine arrived at Chetwode Road, Tadworth, within four minutes of a neighbour making a 999 call and firefighters searched the flat for the occupant.

White-watch based at Epsom, under Station Officer Alan Clarke, dealt with the fire.

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