VILLAGERS spoke of their shock today following the tragic death of an elderly woman in a fire at Peasenhall. Fire fighters were called to a cottage behind Emmetts Stores, The Street, at just after 8am on Sunday following reports of a blaze in a bedroom.

VILLAGERS spoke of their shock today following the tragic death of an elderly woman in a fire at Peasenhall.

Fire fighters were called to a cottage behind Emmetts Stores, The Street, at just after 8am on Sunday following reports of a blaze in a bedroom.

The woman, Mabel Jerrey, was found dead when they arrived.

A neighbour who did not want to be named, could only say: "It's very much a shock, everybody is finding it hard to come to terms with."

A neighbour called fire fighters after the blaze ripped through the property. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, the probe centres around a possible electrical fault which may have involved an electric blanket.

Retained fire crews from Halesworth, Saxmundham and Framlingham were all called to the scene.

Mrs Jerrey had strong links with the village of Peasenhall, having lived their most of her life, and in the past her family used to run Emmetts Stores.

She is thought to leave three children – two daughters and a son.

Divisional Officer Fire Safety Paul Collins reminded households to ensure they observe electrical safety at all times and not to used damaged electric blankets. He also asked householders to ensure that they were used and stored according to manufacturers instructions.

"Although we have not finalised the cause of the fire, any unnecessary electric items and electrical blankets should be switched off when people go to bed," he said.

"We, in conjunction with Trading Standards, offer annual free testing of electrical blankets, details are available from Suffolk Fire Services Community Fire Safety Department and we are advised prior to the event."

Police said the death was not suspicious. An inquest into the death is expected to be opened in due course.