Woman dies in house fire in Jacobs Close, Romsey

Around 20 firefighters, from Romsey, Redbridge and Eastleigh, were called at about 3am to the blaze at the house in Jacobs Close, Romsey.

One woman in her 50s was confirmed dead and a man was rescued and taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Fire and Rescue said the fire had broken out in a first-floor bedroom and was tackled by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

“The body of a woman in her 50s was found inside the address,” said the spokesperson. “Next of kin have been informed.

“The death is being treated as unexplained and a file is being prepared for the coroner. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.”

Rosie Holder, 68, who lives in Jacobs Close said: “My dog woke me up barking at around 3.15am. I looked out of the window and saw police and people going into my neighbour’s house.

“I vaguely knew her. She didn’t have much to do with anyone but she was really lovely and was always pleasant.”

Neighbour Samantha Biddlecombe, 32 said: “It is very sad. I was surprised it was a fire as I saw the engines but I didn’t see the house on fire.”

Another resident who has lived in the close for ten years said: “It’s shocking but I knew something major had happened from the number of engines. There was a lot of crying.”

Councillor John Parker, who represents the Tadburn ward on Romsey Town Council, said: “It is a very sad incident and it is very rare in our area. My thoughts are with her family.”

A spokesperson from South Central Ambulance Service said: “We were contacted by Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service at 3am and asked to support them at the blaze.

“We sent our full Hazardous Area Response Team, an ambulance officer and an ambulance to the incident.

“Sadly a female was declared deceased at the scene and a male was treated by our staff at the scene for severe smoke inhalation before being taken to University Hospital Southampton for further treatment.”