THE body of an elderly woman was discovered by firefighters after they were called out to a house fire.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service was called out to a house on Birchfield Street, in Thatto Heath, at around 11.20pm on Thursday, January 29.

The blaze broke out in the ground floor lounge of the house. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire and discovered the body of the woman in the lounge.

A man also suffered slight smoke inhalation and was given a precautionary check at the scene by paramedics.

The lounge was damage by fire, the ground floor of the property was moderately damaged by smoke and the first floor of the house was slightly damaged by smoke.

Smoke alarms had been fitted and activated.

An investigation into the exact cause of the fire is underway however it is believed that the fire was accidental.

Three fire appliances from Eccleston, St Helens and Huyton community fire stations were called out and firefighters were at the scene until just after 2am.

A reassurance campaign will be carried out in the area following the incident.

Group Manager Chris Case, St Helens District Manager, said: “Firefighters extinguished the fire quickly however fire crews sadly discovered the body of an elderly woman in the lounge of the property.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. A reassurance campaign will be carried out in the area where Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service staff and firefighters will be visiting properties in the surrounding roads.”