Rising numbers of vulnerable elderly people are dying in house fires because they are struggling to take care of themselves.

Last year 11 people died in fires across East Sussex and Brighton and Hove compared to two deaths in 2010 and another two in 2009.

Mark Rist, borough commander for Brighton and Hove for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said many of the victims were elderly people.

He claimed part of the reason for the sudden rise in deaths was that people were living independently for longer.

He said: “The move to care in the community has left many vulnerable people at risk.

Most of the people who have died were known to statutory or voluntary organisations.

October a pensioner died after a fire broke out in his Peacehaven home. Retired teacher David Atkinson, who was in his 70s, was found in the porch of his home having suffered severe burns.