Woman in her 90s dies in house fire as police make arrest

An investigation has been launched after a 90-year-old woman died. Emergency services were called to Elmgrove Road West in Hardwicke, Gloucestershire, shortly before 4am on Sunday to a report of a fire at an address.

Gloucestershire Police attended the scene alongside fire crews and paramedics. A woman in her 90s was found unconscious inside the property and, despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was later sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman in her 60s, from Gloucester, was arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life, police said, adding she remains in custody for questioning this morning.

The women are known to each other and this is believed to have been an isolated incident, police said.

A cordon was put in place in the early hours and remains there while investigators continue their enquiries at the address.

A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Police said: “Officers attended the scene along with crews from the fire and ambulance services. The property was searched and a woman in her 90s was found unconscious inside.

“Emergency services performed CPR but despite their best efforts, the woman was sadly pronounced dead. Her next of kin has been informed.

“Police would like to reassure the public that those involved in the incident are known to each other and this appears to have been an isolated incident.

“A cordon remains in place whilst investigators continue their inquiries at the address.”