A gas explosion has been ruled out as the cause of a fire that claimed the life of a pensioner.

Investigations are ongoing into the devastating blaze that tore through sheltered accommodation in Penrith on Saturday.

A 73-year-old man died and neighbouring flats were evacuated, with 27 of the 31 residents relocated to Penrith Leisure Centre before being found alternative accommodation.

None of them were injured.

Speaking this afternoon, police superintendent Justin Bibby said: "Anything that anyone has heard about a gas explosion is unfounded.

"We can confirm that it wasn't an explosion of that nature."

He added he was confident the cause of the fire would be identified.

Supt Bibby echoed comments made over the weekend about the response of the wider community to the tragedy.

"Both the business and residential communities of Penrith can be really, really proud of the part they have played in responding to what was an incredibly tragic incident."

Housing bosses have also spoken out to praise the "amazing support" offered following the blaze.

Kris Peach, director of extra care for Housing & Care 21 which runs the Londsdale Court building, said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to the local community around our property for their amazing support and generosity following the fire.

"Our residents and staff have been overwhelmed by the number of people and local businesses who came forward to provide hot food and drink, blankets, clothes and other items for those who have had to leave their homes.

"It was a real showing of community spirit and we are immensely grateful."

Related article: Body of man recovered from site of flat fire

He continued: "We would also like to say thank you to Penrith Leisure Centre, the fire service, police and social services for their response, help and support in what have been difficult circumstances, and to our own staff who dealt with the situation with great professionalism and compassion.

"Our priority is the well-being of our residents, and we can confirm that alternative accommodation was found for everyone on the day of the fire.

"We continue to work with the police and fire service on the investigation into the cause of the fire, and are assessing the extent of the structural damage."

Eden council’s leader, Councillor Kevin Beaty, praised the work of council and leisure centre staff.

“Council officers worked with the authority’s Leisure Services Contractor GLL, to quickly make space available in accordance with the council’s emergency plan," he explained.

“I would like to praise the GLL staff who were on duty on Saturday under the supervision of centre manager Ann Rylands. Many of the staff were young and coped admirably with the circumstances as they unfolded before them.

“The council would like to thank the members of the public and businesses locally who rallied around to provide assistance on Saturday by generously giving their time, goods or services to support these elderly people. This typifies the strength of community spirit in Eden District.”

It could be weeks or even months until the residents are able to move back into their flats.