A YOUNG couple have told of the moment they tried to break down a door as their neighbour lay dying in a burning building.

Jennifer Mizen and James Hey lived above the ground floor flat in Park Street, Weymouth where 62-year-old Duncan Roberts tragically died on Monday.

Their flat was yesterday declared uninhabitable due to smoke damage.

Jennifer, who is almost eight months pregnant, said: “We’ve lost everything. All our clothes, things we bought for the baby, everything is gone.

“On top of everything, with Duncan dying, it’s just so hard to cope with.”

A kitten belonging to the couple also died in the fire.

James was the first to notice the fire. He said: “I saw white smoke coming from our electric box.

“It got thicker quite quickly, and then I heard Duncan’s fire alarm go off downstairs. I just grabbed Jennifer and we got out.”

From the street, the couple saw the blaze through the window.

Jennifer said: “It was horrible. I could see him lying on the bed. I banged on the window to try and break it, and James tried to kick the door down.”

Realising they would be unable to get into the flat, James raised the alarm and roused Duncan’s friend Jake Brewer who lives next door.

James said: “Jake managed to break through the window with a pool cue but it was just too hot.”

Experts have told the couple they had a lucky escape.

The pair have criticised Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, which they claim has been slow to react in finding them a new home.

Jennifer said: “We’re staying in our landlord’s bed and breakfast at the moment. It’s nice of him to put us up, but it’s not ideal.”

Councillor Amanda Legg, brief holder for housing, said: “The fire was a tragic event and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has died.

“The council has provided emergency accommodation for the couple living in the flat above where the fire took hold.”

She added: “We appreciate this must be a distressing situation for the couple and are working closely with them and the landlord.”

AN APPEAL has gone out to find the family of Duncan Neil Roberts.

Friends said that Mr Roberts was a former paratrooper who was known as ‘the Sheriff of Park Street’.

Mr Roberts was described as a ‘legend’ by his friends, who covered the outside of the former painter and decorator’s flat with floral tributes.

The West Dorset Coroner’s Court is trying to find his next-of-kin.

It is believed that about 20 years ago Mr Roberts lived in Bournemouth. He may have a son and a daughter and the coroner is appealing for them to get in touch with him.

Pal Freddie Argent, 65, said: “Duncan was a true friend and was as good as gold. The number of flowers here are a tribute to the man.

“He would sit outside in his chair with his music playing. He would love talking to anyone.”

Mr Roberts’s carer Jake Brewer, 23, said that the fire victim had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.

“Duncan was a real legend. He liked a big party and when you got to know him he always had a story,” he said.

Contact the coroner’s office on 01305 223033 with information.