Wilton Stirling’s fire-damaged home in Stapleton Hall Road after the explosion last Wednesday

A MAN who died after causing a huge explosion at his Stroud Green home following a visit by bailiffs was described by neighbours yesterday (Thursday) as a “charming” man who had mental health problems.

Wilton Stirling, who died in hospital on Sunday after suffering severe burns, was said to have been living an increasingly reclusive life in recent years after suffering a series of bereavements.

The blast at the terraced house in Stapleton Hall Road last Wednesday occurred after bailiffs attended and a dispute broke out with Mr Stirling, who was said to have chased after them wielding an axe and a stick.

“He was running down the road with a stick in one hand and an axe in the other,” a neighbour, who did not want to give her name, said.

“He was just running round in circles. There were two bailiffs. There was a woman in her twenties and another man, they knew him I think. Then I saw the police come.

“He ran inside and the police all ran to the door and they were shouting at him. Then about one minute later there was this huge explosion. You could see lots of smoke coming from the front and the back of the house. A few of the police got hurt.”

Police believe Mr Stirling poured petrol around the house before setting fire it, causing the blast. More than 70 firefighters were called to the terraced home as huge flames ripped through the building.

Five police officers were injured and neighbouring houses were evacuated for several hours.

It is thought that Mr Stirling, whose parents had come over from Jamaica in the 1950s, had lived in the property all his life. He was a former pupil of St Aidan’s VC Primary School, located directly opposite the house.

Neighbours who knew the 56-year-old said he had struggled with mental health issues in recent years after suffering a series of bereavements.

A member of the congregation at Holy Trinity Stroud Green church, where his parents were worshippers, said: “I last saw him at his father’s funeral four years ago. I always thought he was all right.

“The sister died, the mother died and then the father died. Long time I haven’t seen him. It’s so sad.”

Neighbour Maureen Bensilum, 56, said: “I used to talk to him, he was always charming, talkative, smiling and he always dressed very well. I didn’t know he still lived there, I hadn’t seen him for years. I don’t know what happened to him over the years.”

She added: “We all got evacuated and the neighbours were all talking about it. People were saying he had mental health issues for years and had barricaded his door because he was afraid someone would come in. He would only go to the shop at night, through the window. They said it started after his father died.

“Maybe he was worried about the bailiffs. He could’ve taken out a mortgage or debt, or maybe it was about [unpaid] council tax. It’s sad, he lived here all his life.”

Ten fire engines were called to the house, where Mr Stirling was said to be living with a nephew. The basement of the house was damaged by fire. Part of the ground floor and part of the first floor of the property and a shed in the rear garden were also damaged in the blaze. The explosion occurred around noon and the fire was under control by 3.30pm.

Mr Stirling was taken to hospital by the helicopter emergency service.

Police guarded the property until Wednesday and it has now been boarded up.

A Met Police spokesman said: “At this early stage it is believed that an accelerant was poured within the property. Officers attempted to communicate with the man but a short time later there was an explosion inside the address.

“Five police officers were injured as a result of the incident, with injuries ranging from burns to a broken wrist. They were taken to a north London hospital for treatment and all have since been released.”