A MAN has died after his car burst into flames whilst parked in his garage at his Wimborne property.

The death of the man in his fifties, who has been named locally as Phil Simmons, is not believed to be suspicious and his next of kin have been informed.

Three fire crews attended the incident at Lonnen Road at 8.02pm on Tuesday and reported 100 per cent fire damage to the vehicle and 100 per cent smoke damage to the garage.

Paramedics also attended the scene and police were called at 8.25pm to seal off the house.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Dorset Police and Dorset Fire and Rescue attended an incident in Lonnen Road, Wimborne during the evening of December 10 after a fire occurred in the garage of a private house.

“Tragically a male was found deceased at the scene.

“Police are preparing a file for the Dorset coroner.”

Friends and neighbours have paid tribute to Phil Simmons who worked locally as an engineer.

Neighbour Chris Tolhurst, 69 said: “It’s a tragic event and I’m sorry to hear something this sad has happened.

“I used to see him driving around his vintage car, the last time I saw him was on Monday.”

One neighbour who wished to remain anonymous said: “Phil and Pat were a great couple, so I’m so really sad to hear the news. He worked as an engineer and we used to have meals together regularly."

Passers-by have said they thought there had been a fire as they heard crackling noises and what sounded like glass was breaking.

Local resident, David Torring, said: “The road was completely blocked by emergency services vehicles. I’ve spoken to a few neighbours and they have said they saw smoke and heard popping noises like glass was breaking.”

Neighbour Jim Ciumei, 76 said: “From around 9pm I noticed there were four police cars, two fire engines and at least one ambulance. There was a lot of activity.”