UPDATED: A cordon remains in place around the burnt out remains of a house in Porchfield which caught fire on Wednesday night, claiming the life of an elderly woman.
Police officers are maintaining a 24 hour guard at the scene of the devastating fire off Porchfield Road as investigations into the tragic incident continue.
Hampshire Constabulary said on Thursday morning that at that stage the fire was not being treated as suspicious. It is unclear if this is still the case following on-site examinations on Thursday afternoon.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised to Porchfield at around 20:30 on Wednesday night to reports of a property well alight.
Despite the best efforts of crews there was nothing that could be done to save the life of the elderly woman inside. Police confirmed the death on Thursday morning.
UPDATE – Island Echo understands that conditions on site have been deemed dangerous, with the chimney stack expected to be dismantled brick-by-brick to allow for safe recovery of the deceased.
