Fire crews have recovered a body following a fire in a retirement home.

The blaze broke out in Gibson Court, Manor Park Road, Hinchley Wood on Friday.

Police said the body was discovered at about 12.45pm yesterday.

Formal identification is yet to take place and a post mortem examination is due to take place next week.

One person was unaccounted for when the building was evacuated yesterday.

Some 40 people in total were taken to Claygate Centre as the fire ripped through the building.

The blaze has devastated the roof of the warden-assisted accommodation which was evacuated after the alarm was raised.

Lin Faint’s mother was one of the elderly residents taken to Claygate Centre, where they were provided with warm clothing and camp beds.

She said: “They were all in their nightdresses. My mother is terribly shaken.

“Everyone did an absolutely sterling job. People came out in the middle of the night to make them coffee and tea and things. Someone came round with flannels and toothbrushes.

“Everyone has been absolutely amazing.”

Peverel Retirement, which manages Gibson Court, said it was co-operating fully with the emergency services.

Rev John Kronenberg of St Christopher’s Church, Hinchley Wood, said: “I have just talked to someone who has lost everything, no money no clothes, nothing. Everything there has gone up in smoke.

“On Sunday we will remember the residents here in our prayers and we are hoping and praying for a good outcome but we just have to wait for the facts first to be established."

He is asking families of those who have been affected to call him if they need to. His number is 020 8786 6391.