Woman killed in Market Drayton house fire

A woman died today after fire ripped through a semi-detached Shropshire house.

The victim's body, who has not been named but was in her 60s, was recovered by firefighters who smashed into the house in Market Drayton at about 7.45am.

The alarm had been raised by passing binmen who spotted smoke coming from the house in Maer Lane during their early morning round.

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The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Richard Ewels, West Mercia Police spokesman, said: "We received a call from the fire service just before 7.45am saying that there was a property fire at a house in Maer Lane.

"Initially there was concern that there may be somebody trapped in the house so the firefighters made a forced entry.

"They have brought out of the building a woman's body and shortly afterwards she was pronounced dead by paramedics.

"Maer Lane has been closed between Smithfield Road and Cheshire Street while emergency services continue to work at the scene. An investigation will be carried out into the full circumstances.

"It's not believed anybody else was in the property at the time. Police will prepare a full report for John Ellery, mid and north Shropshire coroner."

Fire service officials said a fire investigator was due to inspect the scene later today.

Sergeant Tony Merrick, from West Mercia Police, said the victim appeared to be about 60 years old.

He added: "There appear to be no suspicious circumstances but the cause is still unknown."

The road was expected to remain closed while investigators work at the scene.

Firefighters from Market Drayton, Hodnet, Prees and Shrewsbury were called to tackle the fire.

Six firefighters donned breathing apparatus when they entered the smoke-filled house.