A HOUSE fire which killed a pensioner probably started accidentally, a fire brigade investigation found.

Fire crews put out a blaze in the living room of a dormer bungalow on Barningham Road, Newsham, near Richmond, at 10.30am on Saturday (January 24).

The fire resulted in the death of an 88-year-old woman who lived alone in the property.

An investigation was carried out by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the flames.

Officers combed over the property for several hours on Saturday once the fire was extinguished at about 11.30am.

Carl Boasman, group manager with the North Yorkshire fire brigade, said: “It was an accident and the most likely cause was an electric fire which ignited objects close to it.

“That is the end of the matter for the fire brigade and the police will handle any other enquiries.”

An alarm fitted inside the house triggered an automated phone call to alert the fire brigade.

The identity of the dead woman has not been released but it is expected that she will be named by the end of the week.

Fire officers are to be in the Newsham area over the next few days offering safety checks and advice plus free smoke alarms.