Woman killed in blaze at property

A woman was found dead by firefighters as they tackled a blaze that swept through her Midland home.

The unidentified woman, thought to be a 66-year-old pensioner, was discovered on the first floor of her end terrace house in South Street, Stafford on New Year's Day.

Neighbours raised the alarm after seeing smoke billowing from the property. Today they described their shock at what had happened after the fire broke out after 9am yesterday.

A joint investigation between Staffordshire Police and the fire service has been launched with crime officers searching for clues on how the fire started.

Firefighters from Stafford, Stone and Gnosall rushed to the blaze yesterday morning after a resident in nerby Russell Street raised the alarm.

When the crews arrived they had to force their way into the building which was well alight.

Four firefighters using specialist breathing apparatus tackled the flames and a short time later discovered the body of the woman.