POLICE have revealed it was a local man who lost his life in a car fire at Seevic College.

Emergency services were called to the college, off Kiln Road, Thundersley, after several reports the vehicle was on fire on campus.

The Echo reported on Friday a body had been discovered in the car, but was unable to say then whether it was a man or a woman.

The fire was put out by firefighters from Rayleigh Weir, and more than ten police cars attended.

The day after the incident, local businesses were still in shock.

Mr Amin, the owner of Swami News, in Kiln Road, who did not want to give his first name, said he was upset to hear about the death of the man, who was in his forties.

He said: “This is terrible news and desperately sad. It is difficult to comment all the while there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of the death, but my thoughts are with all concerned.”

Another shopkeeper, who didn’t want to be named, said she was devastated to hear of the death, which she read about in the Echo.

She said: “I looked at the front page and my mouth dropped. I can’t believe things such as this happen on your doorstep. It really is terrible news. I ampleased to hear the school is running a tribute for the man, even though he wasn’t a student.”

Essex Police said the death was not believed to be suspicious.