A RETIRED hospital matron has been found dead after a massive blaze ripped through her cottage in Cropthorne, near Pershore, today.
Two fire crews from Evesham were called to the scene just before 7am to find fire raging through the ground floor of the two-storey detached house in Middle Lane.
Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus battled to bring the blaze under control for more than an hour.
As the crews forced their way into the living room at the back of the cottage, they discovered the body of the woman who was believed to be in her 80s.
"We believe the woman was a retired hospital matron who was well known in the village," said Alec Mackie, Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade spokesman.
Independent
"It appears she lived alone and was a very independent woman.
"We think she lived and occupied the ground floor of the building only."
Police and fire chiefs were spending today carrying out detailed investigations into the cause of the fire.
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