A PENSIONER who died after her house filled with gas has been named.

Dorothy Axford, 65, was found dead at her home in Hill View, Road, Sunderland, on Monday. Police who forced their way into the property found the gas cooker was on, but the gas had not been lit.

Dorothy's sister, Lillian Axford, 76, who was also in the house at the time, remains in a critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Home Office pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper has carried out a post-mortem examination, but the results were inconclusive as to the cause of Ms Axford's death.

Detectives were yesterday working with Health and Safety Executive officers on the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sunderland police, on 0191-454 7555, extension 66243.