A pensioner has died in a horrific blaze at her home. It is thought Helen Quigley, 92, was killed after she fell on a gas fire and caught alight.

We understand her body was discovered by her daughter and son-in-law, who had to put out the flames at the house in Handforth, Wilmslow.

It is believed they were alerted by a carer who had come to take Mrs Quigley to the doctors.

She was confirmed dead by paramedics shortly afterwards.

Police are having to use DNA tests to confirm her identity.

Mum of two Jeanette Brumby, 44, who lives opposite, left flowers outside the house.

She said: "Mrs Quigley was a lovely lady and very kind. She always had a kind word for me and my children and was much loved by her family. They always came to visit her.

"She had many friends around here because she had been here most of her life and she always made new-comers like me feel very welcome."

A friend and neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I’d been sat in the living room when I saw the fire engine pull up. I looked out of the window and saw smoke coming out of her house. It’s really upsetting. I hadn’t seen or heard anything before that.

"Nellie, which is what I’ve always called her, has lived here for years like many of us and we all know each other. The whole street was originally moved here from Manchester so we’re a close community; almost like a family."

Fire investigators and police have launched a probe into the cause of the blaze, which happened at 11am on Wednesday and is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman for Wilmslow Fire Station said: "Firefighters were called to a report of a house fire on Davenham Road in Handforth, Wilmslow.

"This incident involved a terraced property and was confirmed as being a fatal incident involving a woman.

"A fire investigation is being carried out, but the incident is not being treated as suspicious."

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