Last updated at 16:36, Tuesday, 05 March 2013

An elderly woman has died in a house fire despite efforts to rescue her.

The scene at Church Road, Seaton

Firefighters and paramedics battled in vain to save 76-year-old Marie Parker after a blaze started at her home on Church Road, Seaton, near Workington, at around 4.30pm yesterday.

But Mrs Parker, who was named by police, died at the scene.

The end-terrace property had a working smoke alarm but it is understood Mrs Parker lived alone and may have had some mobility problems.

Workington station manager Adrian Holme said: “The crews discovered a well-developed fire in the property and it was reported that one person was missing.

“Firefighters did an exceptional job in dangerous conditions to enter the building and rescue the casualty.

“Additional fire crews from Whitehaven also attended along with police and paramedics but sadly the occupant died at the scene.

“They worked in very arduous conditions in which there was a lot of smoke.”

He added: “The cause of the fire is under investigation but there is nothing to indicate anything suspicious. It started on the ground floor and that is the area we are investigating.”

A tarpaulin sheet was erected outside until the undertaker arrived.

The road was blocked while representatives from Northern Gas Network ensured the area was safe.

PC Vanessa Jackson said: “We were called out by the fire service. The gas board were alerted as a matter of routine.”

One fire engine from Workington and two from Maryport were called out. A fourth engine was also requested from Whitehaven for breathing apparatus support.

Mr Holme said that fire crews would be coming back to the area to provide home safety visits.

He urged anybody wishing to have a free home safety visit to call 0800 3584777.

First published at 10:50, Tuesday, 05 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk