Smoke alarm warning after deaths

Fire service officials are urging people to fit smoke alarms in their homes after a second fatality in South Yorkshire, just days before Christmas.

A woman in her late 50s died in a house fire in Sheffield - the second incident over the weekend where there was no smoke alarm in the property.

Fire crews were called to the house on Hazel Barrow Crescent in the Jordanthorpe area on Saturday morning.

Earlier that day an elderly man had died in a fire in Upperthorpe.

'Tragic reminder'

Checks at both properties indicated there were no smoke alarms fitted.

Ade Robinson from the fire service said: "Just a few days before Christmas, these incidents serve as a tragic reminder of the dangers of fire.

"We want people to take extra care at this time of year, especially when using heaters, electric blankets and Christmas decorations that can increase the risk of fire.

"Most importantly, people should ensure they have a working smoke alarm in their home."