An investigation has been launched into the death of a man who was found on fire in a New Malden street.

Colin Edwards, 51, died in March a few days after he was found with 50 per cent burns outside Clear House in Kingston Road, where it is believed he was sleeping.

Friends raised concerns he had been let down by authorities.

School friend John Ridley told the Comet last month: "Colin has always been a bit of a loner. He had mental health problems and the authorities would not deal with it.

"He was put on a shelf to rot. That’s why he got into this mess. I saw him a couple of weeks ago and he said ‘They won’t house me, they won’t come near me’.

"No one wanted to help him. He should have been in cared accommodation or sheltered accommodation."

A spokesman acting for Kingston Council and South West London and St Georges mental health trust, which runs Tolworth Hospital, said: "The council and South West London and St George’s mental health NHS trust extend our deepest sympathies to family and friends at this distressing time.

"As with all cases of this nature, the trust will conduct an investigation into the case and will be liaising with other agencies, including Kingston’s housing team to conclude."