A CIGARETTE started the fire at a Kingswinford house where an elderly woman died, West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed.

Edith Williams was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services responded to a fire in the living room of her Catesby Drive house last Monday (November 14).

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: “We can confirm the cause of the fire was a cigarette. The circumstances surrounding the lady’s death are still being investigated.”

A number of fire engines, police cars and ambulances were called to the blaze which started just before 11.30pm.

Once firefighters had brought the fire under control, ambulance staff were able to get to the woman through a window, but despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

Neighbours have paid tribute to Mrs Williams, describing her as “such a lovely person”.