Firefighters and Police have launched two major investigations after a 92-year-old man died in a house blaze on Christmas morning and suspected arsonists set a community centre alight later the same day.

Karl Ingham, who was registered blind, died just 20 minutes into Christmas Day at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after suffering 95 percent burns to his body when his home caught fire.

It is believed he was making a cup of tea in the kitchen of the property in Vale Close, Pembroke, when the blaze began, engulfing him in flames.

His neighbour Michael Dyer was in the garden at the time, at about 4.40 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and rushed to help the old man after hearing him in trouble and smelling the smoke.

When he arrived on the scene, Mr. Dyer found the grandfather on fire and immediately doused the flames and called for help.

Mr. Ingham was taken to hospital but died some hours later from his injuries.

Yesterday, the senior's son, Derek, who lived with his father, could not be contacted. He is said to have been very close to Mr. Ingham and was devastated by his death.

Mr. Dyer was also too upset to talk, but his mother, Marynthia Dyer, who has lived next door to Mr. Ingham for many years, said her family was very saddened by the tragic events.

She said: "What has happened is terrible. He was a quiet person who didn't bother anybody - a good neighbour. We hadn't seen him for quite a long time because he was blind and never left the house, but we saw his son quite a bit.

"His son Derek will be very upset. They were very close. He used to look after him, giving him his breakfast before he went to work, coming home to give him lunch, and then dinner in the evening. It's so tragic. He was a lovely man."

Mrs. Dyer said the events of Christmas Eve had badly affected her son.

She added: "I think what happened has really started to hit him. He was playing with my grandson in the garden when he heard Mr. Ingham and smelled the smoke. He saw him on fire and rushed over to help. He got a bucket of water to douse the flames."

It is not believed damage caused to the house was severe.

In a separate incident, at about 6.40 p.m. on Christmas night, five fire appliances rushed to the St. George's Community Centre where arsonists are believed to have broken in and set the building alight.

A Police spokesman said the culprits are believed to have broken into the building, smashing windows, turning over filing cabinets and vandalising the interior, before setting part of the property on fire.

The blaze was confined to the southern half of the building, damaging the office area and four rooms. And, although there was little structural damage, there was a lot of smoke damage.

Engines from Clearwater, St. George's and Hamilton Fire Stations attended the scene to bring the fire under control.

The Police spokesman said: "It's very sad for somebody to do this to the community centre, which is at the heart of St. George's and has become a place for young boys and girls to stay and play after school.

"Fortunately, they (authorities) are going to make sure that children can still use the facility, despite the fire.

"But Police are appealing for anyone who saw anything or anyone suspicious around the community centre on Christmas Day afternoon or early evening to come forward.

"The investigation is underway, we have an open mind, and would very much welcome anyone with information to come forward."

Anyone with information about either of the incidents should call Police on 295-0011.