RESIDENTS have spoken of their shock after an elderly woman died following a house fire in Sutton-in-Craven.

North Yorkshire Police were called to the property in Wright Street by the county’s Fire and Rescue Service at around 9.55pm on Saturday.

All three emergency services attended the incident where the 72-year-old woman - the only occupant of the house - was found in a bedroom.

Despite the efforts of ambulance staff at the scene, the woman died a short time later.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Harder of North Yorkshire Police, said: “The cause of the fire remains unexplained at this time and police and fire investigators are carrying out a full examination of the property.”

Edith Sugden, who lives next door, said: “I didn’t know anything until the fire brigade came.”

Eddie Boocock, who helps run the Sutton-in-Craven Community Centre which is just metres away from the Wright Street home, said: “It certainly came a shock.”

The identity of the woman is yet to be released.

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