A LIFELONG West Ham supporter has died of a heart attack just short of his 90th birthday.

Harry Bloom, 89, had seen every Hammers match since 1927, except for a short period he spent in the army during the Second World War.

He died at his home, in Oakhall Court, Wanstead, and was buried at Waltham Abbey’s Jewish cemetery with his favourite team’s football shirt.

Harry Bloom took part in the Normandy landings during the war where was wounded and taken back on the last boat home.

After leaving the army he became a professional boxer in America before returning to London where he worked in his father’s tailoring business in Corporation Street.

His son Bernard said: “He had a strong sense of humour and saw the funny side of everything. He’d see humour even in tragedy.

“He was very bright and well read. He could talk on virtually any subject and when he retired, 24 years ago, every day he’d spend hours in the library. He loved reading biographies.”

Mr Bloom is survived by Bernard, and another son, Leon, who now lives in Canada.