Pensioner dies after fire at home

The woman was found collapsed inside the bungalow and died in hospital

A pensioner has died in hospital after being rescued from a fire at her home in Poole.

The 86-year-old woman was rescued by firefighters after the fire broke out at her home in Coventry Crescent, Creekmoor, shortly before 0900 GMT.

She was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to Poole Hospital.

Dorset Police said the fire was not being treated as suspicious but post-mortem tests were being carried out to determine how the woman died.

Electrical fault

Four crews and about 20 firefighters were called to the scene after a 999 call made by the elderly woman's carer.

They found the woman collapsed inside the detached bungalow.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was thought to have started in the airing cupboard and was caused by an electrical fault.

Mike Cox, fire investigation officer, said: "This is an extremely sad incident and I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to all of her friends and family.

"Our crews are trained to deal with a wide variety of call-outs, but this is always the most difficult to deal with.

"They were extremely professional despite the unfolding tragedy and would also like to offer their thoughts to the family."