Tributes have poured in for a “gentleman” who died in a flat fire.
Robert Keenan, better known as Bobby, tragically died after a blaze broke out at the 69-year-old’s South Harbour Street home late on Thursday night.
It sparked a huge emergency response as four fire engines raced to the scene in Ayr.
Police and ambulances were also deployed but sadly the pensioner could not be saved.
Bobby drove a mobility scooter and lived at a ground floor flat on 71-105 South Harbour Street, near to the Citadel Leisure Centre.
The three-storey building was evacuated at around 11pm as fire fighters tackled the flames.
Neighbours were quick to pay tribute following the news of Bobby’s passing.
Chloe Smith said: “I’m so sad, I can’t believe it. I felt sick watching it last night and now this. God bless him.”
Wilson Mcintosh said: “Bobby was a gentleman, I always met him at the shop, so sad.”
Jacqueline Kelly added: “That’s so sad. God bless him.”
And Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Senior Officer Ian McMeekin said: “Our thoughts are with family, friends and the wider community at this difficult time.”
On Friday, police and fire teams launched a joint investigation to establish the circumstances of the blaze. Men in boiler suits were at the flat late into the afternoon and on Monday police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.
Of the blaze Mr McMeekin said: “We were alerted at 10.51pm on Thursday, October 15 to reports of a fire within a ground floor flat on South Harbour Street, Ayr, South Ayrshire. Four appliances were mobilised to the scene, where crews worked to evacuate the three-storey building and extinguish the fire.
“A joint investigation alongside Police Scotland colleagues is now ongoing.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 69-year-old man has died following a fire at a flat in South Harbour Street, Ayr.
“Police were made aware of the incident around 11:05pm on Thursday. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the fire.”
