A PENSIONER died when a fire swept through the bedroom of her flat early yesterday.
The woman, who was believed to be disabled and bed-ridden, was discovered by staff from social services when they called at her home in Villette Road, Hendon, Sunderland, at 7.30am.
Police and the fire brigade are investigating the blaze, which is believed to have started at about 2am and burned itself out.
The bedroom was severely damaged, but the fire had not spread to the rest of the flat.
Neighbour Lawrence Leith, who lives in a flat below the woman, said: "I heard a noise after midnight.
"It was like a thump. I had a look out of the window and checked the back and front, but I couldn't see anything.
"I often heard her banging on the radiator upstairs."
Station officer Alan Brown, of Sunderland, said the fire had used up all the oxygen in the room and burned out.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article