WILTSHIRE Fire and Rescue have urged people to check their smoke alarms following the death of an elderly woman this morning.

Crews were called by neighbours who saw flames and smoke coming from a static home on Green Road in Meadowcroft, shortly before 7am.

The 70-year-old woman was pulled unconscious from the property and although attempts were made to resuscitate her, she died at the scene. She was the only person living in the home and there were no pets.

Investigations are being made into the cause of the fire but it is not thought to be suspicious. However, upon examining the property fire crews found a smoke alarm which was not working.

Area Manger Ian Jeary said: “We had a call come in at 6.59am and appliances canme from Stratton and Swindon fire stations. They were met by a severe fire with smoke and flames coming out from the window.

“They gained entry immediately and tried to put out the fire. We weren’t sure if there was anyone in there when we arrived but we found the lady and took her outside. Together with paramedics we tried CPR to resuscitate her but unfortunately we were not successful and she died at the scene.

“Although the property had a smoke alarm it was not working so we would urge everyone to check their alarm. We have been successful in raising awareness and many properties have alarms but if they are not working then they are no use.”

Detective Inspector Phil Walker of Wiltshire Police said: “We were contacted by the Ambulance and Fire Service at approximately 0730am re a fire at a mobile home in Abbeywood Park, Upper Stratton, Swindon. A woman, aged 70, was confirmed dead at the scene.

"We are currently in the process of contacting her next of kin.

"This is not being treated as suspicious at this time and we will begin the process of preparing a file for the coroner.”

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service offers free home fire safety checks to people who live in static caravans and mobile homes. To request a visit, or for more information about keeping safe, visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/caravansandmobilehomes