Colchester house fire death: Tributes to woman flood in
‘cuddle bed’ for a hospice to take place in Clacton
NEIGHBOURS and members of the tight-knit community have spoken of their shock after a woman died in a house fire in Colchester.
Firefighters rushed to the scene on Smallwood Road, at a ground-floor maisonette in the early hours of yesterday morning.
A call was made at 12.20am after neighbours heard a smoke alarm going off in the property, with crews from Colchester and Coggeshall attending the incident.
On arrival, firefighters reported a fire in a bedroom. Sadly, a woman died at the scene.
Police officers also attended, with the property cordoned off.
A fire investigation was later conducted and the cause of the fire recorded as accidental.
Cards of condolence and floral tributes have been left at the scene of the tragedy, and a balloon was tied to a nearby tree.
One said: “In loving memory of a wonderful mum. You were always the perfect mum in each and every way.”
Residents were left saddened following news of the tragedy.
Leah Findlay, 23, a resident in the area, told the Gazette: “It’s sad what’s happening because I heard she was bed bound and obviously couldn’t get up because of it.
“We’ve had a lot of people come in and mention it, but we only found out properly not long ago.
“I didn’t know her, but my brother used to live next door to the lady.
“My thoughts are with the family and obviously if she was by herself it’s so sad that this has happened.”
Lorraine Stevens, 82, said: “I’m devastated about the news, and I feel so sorry for the lady who has sadly died.
“It’s a terrible thing when you are on your own.
“We send all our love to the family and we are here to help in any way we can and do something for whoever needs it.”
A worker at nearby John’s Fish and Chip Shop, in Iceni Way, Surat said: “It’s a terrible thing to happen to anyone, but it’s really bad to happen to someone within this community.”
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I’ve lived here for a long time, but I didn’t know the lady.
“I saw it as it unfolded and it’s obviously terrible this has happened within the community.
“I have spoken with a few people today about it and they all wish to pay their respects.”
Another resident who did not wish to be named said: “I hadn’t heard about the news but it’s terrible and my thoughts go out to the family.
“It must be such a terrible time for the family.”
Councillor for Shrub End and Berechurch, Dave Harris also paid his respects to the woman.
He said: “So sad to hear that one of our constituents has passed away following such a terrible incident.
“People need to be looked after in the community at a time like this – it’s just very sad.”
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