A DISABLED pensioner was found dead in her home following a fire yesterday.

The 67-year-old, who lived alone, was discovered in her ground-floor flat in Darlington by her care worker shortly after 10am.

Police are investigating the cause of the blaze, in Barden Moor Road, Firthmoor, but are not treating the death as suspicious. A post-mortem examination will be carried out today, but it is thought she died from smoke inhalation.

Neighbour Joan Landers said last night: "It's very sad.

"People that know her will be shocked, but you never really saw her. She didn't leave the house much." Another neighbour, Jean Roxby, said: "It's a shame to see something like this happen in the street."

Police are expected to name the woman today after her family has been informed. She is believed to have a son and a sister living nearby.

The alarm was raised when the woman failed to answer her front door.

Darlington Fire Station Officer Richy McArdle said the blaze was out by the time fire crews arrived.

"There was serious damage to the living room, one part in particular," he said. "The lady was infirm. She had a walking frame."

He added the fire showed all the signs of having built up slowly then burnt itself out due to lack of oxygen.

Detective Inspector Andy McGregor-Taylor, from Darlington police, said: "We believe it was an accident but can't really say how it's been caused yet," he said.

"We are working with the fire brigade to ascertain the cause."