A beloved retired teacher was tragically killed on Boxing Day after a huge fire tore through her home.
Susan Woods, 72, has been named locally as the woman who died in the blaze along Carterford Drive in Norwich, Norfolk.
The fire broke out at roughly 4.30am on Boxing Day morning, with emergency services rushing to the scene.
Ms Woods neighbours have spoken of how the quiet road was awoken by blaring sirens and flashing lights as the chaotic scenes unfolded.
One resident recalled: ‘When I realised which house was on fire I just wished the house was empty and hoped Susan was not home and had been spending Christmas with relatives’.
Ms Woods had lived by herself in the property for ‘many years’ according to neighbours and was described as a lovely person and a very intelligent lady who spoke several languages’.
An elderly couple who live opposite the site of the blaze said that Ms Wood was regularly visited by carers.
The man, 80, said: ‘She had health issues and was seen at hospital regularly. We would say hello when we saw her. I last saw her out on Monday.
‘We’re very upset something like this has happened. The response of emergency services was amazing.’
Police and firefighters have since cordoned off the property as they further investigate the cause of the fatal fire.
Chris Graveling, station manager at Bowthorpe Fire Station, said: ‘There’s been a substantial fire, crews have worked really, really hard to extinguish the fire’.
He added fire service investigators were working alongside police to ‘establish the cause’ of the blaze.
A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: ‘Police were called to assist the fire service on Carterford Drive, Norwich at 4.22am on December 26 following reports of a fire at a residential property.
‘Officers attended the scene and sadly the body of a woman was found within the property. Her next of kin have been informed.
‘The fire was extinguished and there is currently a police cordon in place which will remain for some time.
‘The cause of the fire is currently unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.’