STAR readers have expressed their sadness following the tragic death of a woman in a house fire.

As previously reported, firefighters were called to a blaze at a semi-detached property on Sandringham Drive, Sutton on Monday morning, April 15. 

Crews were at the scene shortly before 10am, with two fire engines initially attending. 

At the height of the incident - which saw the blaze take hold on the first floor and the roof space - six fire engines were there and one aerial appliance.

Four firefighters entered the house, fighting the flames while searching inside.
One casualty was brought out of the property by firefighters into the care of paramedics and was taken to hospital.

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Tragically, the resident's death was confirmed at the hospital.
Emergency services have not released any further details, but it is understood the victim was a woman.

Shocked and saddened neighbours say she was a pensioner who lived alone.

St Helens Star: Damage to the house after the fireDamage to the house after the fire (Image: St Helens Star)

'Thinking of everyone affected'

Star readers have expressed their sympathies in the wake of the tragedy.

Many took to our social media pages to add their condolences.

One Star reader said: ”Just awful, thoughts are with family & friends at this terrible time”.

Another wrote: “Oh how sad. I hope the family and friends find comfort in what must be a terribly painful time. RIP.”

One added: “Aww sooo so sad. God bless her. RIP. Deepest sympathy to all family and friends”.

Meanwhile, one reader said: “Aww that’s so sad, thinking of everyone who has been affected.”

And another wrote: “Rip to the lady, deepest condolences to her family & friends and let's not forgetting MFRS crews, & the drs and nurses for trying their best”.

A joint investigation between MFRS and Merseyside Police has revealed that the fire was accidental and was likely caused by smoker’s materials.

Fire service Area manager Mark Thomas said: “This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the person involved.

"I would like also to commend the efforts of our fire control staff and our fire crews who acted quickly to retrieve the casualty and North West Ambulance Service colleagues who made every effort to provide emergency resuscitation for the casualty.”