Police investigate Netherton house blaze after pensioner found dead

The 67-year-old, named locally as Gillian Howard, died after the fire in Spring Road.

Police have launched an investigation into her death and thanked residents for their 'valiant' attempts to come to her aid.

Mrs Howard's daughter Nicki was taken to hospital after the fire on Thursday, which left the semi-detached home charred and gutted.

The pensioner's body was found in the front lounge of the house after a fire tore through the building.

Despite the efforts of neighbours, Mrs Howard could not be saved and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

Her death is being treated as unexplained and police last night appealed for any witnesses to the blaze to come forward.

Miss Howard, aged 36, was taken to Dudley's Russells Hall hospital and treated for smoke inhalation and shock.

Neighbour Jackie Tanner, 47, heard screams from the road on Thursday morning and rushed outside in her dressing gown to try to help.

Doctors receptionist Mrs Tanner, a mother of one, said: "I was lying in bed and then heard a woman screaming that her mum was in the house which was on fire.

"I could see her on the floor in the living room.

"I opened the door and she was lying there.

"I had to crawl because the smoke and heat was that bad.

"Then the curtains came down and the next thing I know I just got blown out of the house somehow.

"I'm so sorry that she died. It's terrible."

Irene Newton, who has lived in the street since 1977, said: "I could just hear shouting and screaming then the house was all in flames."

Sgt Richard Narrowmore, from Dudley police, said: "I would like to commend the neighbours in Spring Road who valiantly tried to save this woman with little thought to their own personal safety.

"They alerted the authorities and assisted one of the occupants of the address while they awaited the arrival of the emergency services.

"We are at the very early stages of our investigation and we continue to appeal to anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed something to come forward."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "When the first crew arrived the house was well alight.

"Sadly a woman was found inside the property. There was nothing that could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

"A second woman was treated for smoke inhalation and shock. She was taken to Russells Hall Hospital. A third woman, believed to be a neighbour, was uninjured."

Anyone with information should call West Midlands Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers

on 0800 555 111.

Anyone with information should call West Midlands Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.