A 89-year-old man who was 'always seen with his dog' died in a house fire.
Devastated neighbours of Anders Drive in Bulwell spoke of their heartbreak after the incident late on Thursday night (March 3).
They said they woke up to flashing lights and noise as firefighters rushed to the fire just before midnight.
Some neighbours said that the man's dog was barking at the time of the incident.
The 89-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was involved.
The man was described by his neighbours as a "private person", who regularly saw him walking his dog on the estate.
Retired Cliff and Frances Raylance, who have lived in Anders Drive for 38 years, said they were deeply saddened by the man's death.
Mr Raylance, 73, added: "He was a very private person.
"He was always with his dog, bless him.
"His daughter used to visit him once a week.
"We would talk when he was out walking his dog."
Ms Raylance, 72, added: "It is so sad, awful news.
"He was a private man, we did not know him very well apart from our occasional chats."
Dad-of-five Grant Elston, a senior baker who lives on the same street, said: "I did not know him very well, he used to keep himself to himself.
"My wife clocked with him more. He was always walking his dog.
"We saw him during lockdown more. He was a quiet man."
Speaking of the incident, the 43-year-old said: "My wife could not sleep, she was scared.
"When I came back home the road was taped off from the top and a firefighter escorted me.
"I thought that something must have happened from the way they were talking to me.
"It is very sad."
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said the man was one of the first home owners to move to the area.
She said: "This housing estate was built in 1971, and that is when he bought his house.
"I know this because my parents also lived here.
"He was very quiet, but I noticed that in the last year he was getting more and more frail.
"I was getting worried about him."
She added: "It was very strange because this is a very quiet estate.
"You never see police or the fire service around here."
Another mum, who wished to remain anonymous, told Nottinghamshire Live that she woke up in the middle on the night to sirens.
She added: "My baby was crying, I could not sleep.
"His dog was barking too during the fire."
She passed on her condolences, saying: "I have got my children so it is quite hard to get to talk to neighbours.
"But it is so sad. He always had his dog with him.
"That is how you knew it was him - if he had his little dog with him."
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said an investigation was taking place to investigate the cause of the fire.
Group Manager Chris Clark said: “We want to send our most sincere condolences to the family during this very sad time. We would like to thank neighbours for raising the alarm and our partners for their assistance at this incident.
“Incidents like these remind us all of the devastating consequences of fire, and our advice to everyone is to make sure you have working smoke alarms and that everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire.
"If you, or someone you know, can’t assess the risks in the home you could be eligible for a free Safe and Well visit.”
The tragedy came hours after a separate fire in the area.
Firefighters from the Hucknall and Stockhill fire stations were called to Downes Close, where a fire broke out in the living room of a house. The incident was reported at 6.15pm on Thursday.
The fire service confirmed that there were no injuries caused by this incident.
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