NEIGHBOURS have paid tribute to the tragic elderly woman who died in a house fire in Kingswinford last night (Monday, November 14).

Named locally as Edith Williams, she was found dead at her house in Catesby Drive just before 11.30pm by emergency services who has been called to the blaze.

Neighbours Arnold and Valerie Ganley who knew Mrs Williams well having lived in the street together for a number of years, said she was “such a lovely person”.

Mr Ganley said: “It is so sad what has happened. There was such a commotion last night when all the fire engines came blaring down the street.

“We could see something was happening but we weren’t sure what was exactly going on. We opened the curtains and there was vehicles everywhere.

“We spoke to some of the other people in the street and when we found out what had happened we were so shocked.

“She was always pleasant and friendly to everyone she met. She was such a lovely person and one of those neighbours you were always glad to have around.

“Her husband died a number of years ago, but she had such a devoted family. Her sons would always be visiting her – one of her sons and daughter-in-law live on the estate as well.

“This is unfortunately one of those sad things that happen in life.”

The exact circumstances surrounding Mrs Williams’ death are not currently known, but a West Midlands Police spokeswoman said her death was not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “Once firefighters had brought the fire under control ambulance staff were able to access the woman through a window.

“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Fellow neighbour Florence Adams, who lives across the road from Mrs Williams, said she was shocked by the incident.

She said: “There were lots of fire engines, police cars and ambulances here and it was shocking to see what was going on.

“I didn’t know her too well, but we were very friendly with each other. On the occasions that I did see her she was always so nice.

“It’s a terrible thing that has happened and even worse that it has happened to such a lovely lady.”