An 82-year-old has told how he is desperate to return to his home after being forced from his apartment due to fire.

George Ruckman has been forced to move out of his home in Richard Allen Court after a large fire ravaged the block of flats.

Now, Mr Ruckman has been told it will be five months until he will be allowed back to his flat, which was close to the apartment where the fire happened.

Mr Ruckman, who has lived in Saunders Park View in Brighton for 25 years, said: “I was directly next door. I was standing in the doorway and I couldn’t see to the end of the passage because of the smoke.

The Argus: George looking at his flatGeorge looking at his flat (Image: Andrew Gardner | The Argus)

“We just saw smoke and flames, the walls and the windows got really heated.

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“I don’t know what we are going to do. We have got nothing.”

Mr Ruckman, who is currently living with his brother and son, said he had been told that it would be a number of months before he is allowed back in his flat.

The fire ripped through the accommodation with multiple residents evacuated and moving into temporary accommodation.

David Chaffey, chief executive of BHT Sussex who own the building, said: “We would like to thank East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Sussex Police and Southeast Coast Ambulance for their support at the scene, along with Brighton and Hove Council and the team at the Brighton Alliance Church who provided a place of rest for tenants whilst we organised alternative accommodation for them.

The Argus: Richard Allen CourtRichard Allen Court (Image: Andrew Gardner | The Argus)

“We have been approached by several supporters and locals who want to know if there is anything practical they can do to help residents affected by the fire, and so have set up an online Hardship Fund appeal which people can donate to.”

Brighton Housing Trust (BHT)has been looking at options for Mr Ruckman to live in temporarily but he has not seen anywhere he feels appropriate so far..

BHT Sussex added that they had started a hardship fund to help support George and other affected residents and have donated £7,000 to the fund.

The charity added that they were “working closely” with the council to determine the best next steps to help displaced residents.