Pensioner dies after house fire in Co Tyrone

By Rebecca Black, PA

A pensioner has died following a house fire in Co Tyrone.

The woman, aged in her 70s, died following the blaze at a residential property in the Derrycush Park area of Aughnacloy on Wednesday evening.

A police spokesperson said officers were called shortly after 6pm and attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

“Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze but, sadly, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene,” they said.

“Inquiries are ongoing; however at this stage, it is not believed that the death is suspicious.”

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew described the news as “absolutely heartbreaking”.

“I want to express my condolences to the family, friends and neighbours of this woman, who now face extremely difficult days and weeks ahead,” he said.

“The community is in shock today, but I have no doubt they will rally around to support the woman’s loved ones in the time ahead.”