Woman dies in house fire in Edward Street, Pocklington

The woman, who was believed to have been in her 40s, sustained fatal injuries in the fire in Edward Street, Pocklington, which was reported to Humberside Fire & Rescue Service at about 9.30pm on Monday.

Two fire engines attended from Pocklington Fire Station to put out the fire, which is believed to have been accidental.

But Humberside Fire & Rescue Service yesterday could not give details of where or how the fire was started, or who raised the alarm.

Neighbours said the woman was called Pat, but did not know her surname and she has not yet been formally named by police.

Janet and Peter Smith moved into Edward Street in May and became friends with her.

They said Pat, who kept cats, had been seeing the family on a regular basis because their dog had just had puppies.

Janet said: “It’s a big shame. She was our friend. She used to come over here and have a cup of tea with us. She kept herself to herself and never bothered anybody. And she loved kids and animals.

“She was just one of those people that once you got to know her she was just so funny. We all liked her.”

Janet had smelt smoke earlier in the day, and at first thought they had left the gas on.

Then they concluded it was a neighbour’s chimney and thought no more about it until the fire engines arrived, said Peter.

Janet said: “It’s hard to believe I was only just talking to her when she came across to stroke the puppies.

“In the short space of time we knew her she was very nice and gave cards and books to the children.”

Janet said: “She was the kind of person to send cards to say ‘thank you for being there for me’.

“All we did was knock on her door and see if she was all right. We found her really nice.

“She was just a happy woman who would stop and speak if she saw you and at Hallowe’en she came out with big bags of sweets for the children.”

She said Pat had a husband, called Paul, and two adult sons, but she is believed to have been alone in the house when it was on fire.