Woman dies in house fire in Essex village

Fire crews were called by a member of the public on his way to work

An 80-year-old woman has died in a fire in a house in Essex.

Four crews were called at about 0520 BST to the fire in the two-storey semi-detached house in Chappel, near Colchester.

The alarm was raised by a member of the public on his way to work. He and two police officers entered the house but were unable to reach the woman.

Just before 0610 BST crews reported that the body of a woman had been found. The fire was out by 0635 BST.

An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said a full investigation would be carried out.

Police said they were working with the fire service to determine the cause of the fire but it was not thought to be suspicious.