A close-knit estate is in shock today after the tragic death of a woman in a house fire.
Emergency services were called to Marled Hey, off Waterpark Drive in Stockbridge Village, at around 7.35am yesterday (Tuesday).
The woman, named locally as Cathy Ward, 61, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, described how she raised the alarm yesterday after she heard fire alarms going off inside the house.
She said: "When I went round and looked through the window, it was all black.
"I rang the fire brigade and they came along with the police and ambulance."
The neighbour paid tribute to Mrs Ward, saying: "It has hit everybody really hard and come as a real shock to us all.
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"I've lived here all my life and I've known Cathy for over 40 years.
"She would do anything for anyone. She was just so helpful to everyone in the street and would always ask after your family."
Mrs Ward is understood to have lived alone and was disabled. She would be regularly visited by members of her family, who live close by, and her carers.
The neighbour added: "She was well known to everybody here. It's just awful."
Many other tributes have also poured in for Mrs Ward.
Firefighters discovered the body of the 61-year-old in a ground floor room of the house.
A joint investigation between Mersey Fire and Rescue (MFRS) and Merseyside Police has been carried out and determined the fire started in a ground floor room of the house.
Initial investigations suggest the fire was accidental and caused by a cigarette.
Following the incident, Mark Thomas, Group Manager for Prevention at MFRS, said to the ECHO : “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the lady at this time.
"This was a tragic accident and one that could have been avoided.
“We would urge residents across Merseyside to ensure that they have smoke alarms installed in their homes – at least one on every level – and that they are tested regularly.
"We would also like to make a plea to smokers to make sure they are aware of the dangers that smoking in the home can cause.
"The quick actions of a neighbour in dialling 999 after hearing the smoke alarms from next door and seeing smoke when they investigated were exactly the right action to take, but sadly the fire had already taken hold.
"Smoking remains the biggest killer in accidental fires in the home nationally.
"If you do smoke, please make sure you do so safely.
"Remember; make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished – put it out, right out."
