A well-known Battersea man died following a fire at his home on November 30.

Ex-Marine George Adams, who was 78, died after his clothing caught alight. Initial investigations suggest the fire was accidental and possibly started while he was cooking.

He was discovered after worried neighbours alerted police to his flat in John Parker Square. The Fire Investigation Unit is currently investigating the incident.

Life-long friend and neighbour Yvonne Wasey said he had grown up in the streets around Clapham Junction and was known throughout the area. He also worked at the flower market at Nine Elms.

She added: "He comes from an old Battersea family and drank in most of the pubs round here. When he'd had a few drinks he used to stand up and say I was a Marine'.

"He was a really lovely person. He'd do the shopping for the elderly people in the square. A lot of people here are going to miss him."

December 5, 2001 16:30