A person has sadly died following a fire on Holly Lane in Banstead today (Friday, March 19).

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) described a heavy presence in the area Friday morning after the fire broke out in the early hours, sometime around 3am.

Six fire engines and a large number of firefighters were deployed by the county fire service in response to the blaze, and remained there into Friday afternoon.

An SFRS spokesperson posted to Twitter:

"This morning we were called to a fire in Holly Lane #Banstead at 2.41am. We sent 6 fire engines inc. an aerial ladder platform.

"A fire engine and Fire Investigators are on scene & an investigation has launched. Thanks to @LondonFire, partners and all staff."

Surrey Police were also in attendance at the blaze in support of their emergency service colleagues.

A spokesperson for the Reigate and Banstead branch of the force confirmed that a person who had been in the property during the fire had sadly been pronounced dead.

In a short statement posted to Twitter around 4pm, a spokesperson said:

"We remain at Holly Lane West in #Banstead following a fire occurring at 3am today. It has been extinguished the road remains closed.

"A person who was in the property was sadly pronounced dead. We’d like to thank the public for respecting the cordons."