Elderly woman dies in house blaze

Firefighters with breathing apparatus were seen entering the house

An elderly woman has died in a fire at her home in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire.

The emergency services were called to the blaze at the property on Crawford Street at about 1340 GMT on Thursday.

It is understood the woman's body was discovered in an upstairs bedroom of the semi-detached house.

Police and firefighters remained at the scene and investigations were ongoing. The victim's relatives have been informed.

The pensioner lived alone.

Three appliances from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue tackled the blaze.

Neighbours said they saw thick smoke pouring from the upstairs windows.

The street was cordoned off while inquiries continued.