An elderly woman who died after a devastating house fire in Wythenshawe has been named.
Eileen Lonergan was in her 80s and had lived at the property on Haveley Road in Benchill for a number of years.
Firefighters were called to a blaze at her home on the evening of Friday, 14 May.
A number of people attempted to break into the property after it went up in flames but Ms Lonergan sadly did not survive.
Police say there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, and a file relating to Eileen's death has been passed to the Manchester Coroner.
Neighbours and friends of Ms Lonergan have since paid tribute to a 'lovely lady' who was well known in the area of Benchill.
Karen Glass wrote on Facebook: "RIP Eileen. Well done everyone who tried to save her. You are all heroes. Thoughts are with Eileen's friends and family."
Natalie Hopkins said: "RIP what a sad story I knew the lady she was a cook at Benchill School when I was there. She is a lovely lady and well known. RIP to her family.
Debbie Hunston wrote: "RIP Eileen such a lovely lady."
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, described the moment the house went up in flames.
He said: "I heard a commotion outside and when I looked out I could see flames and smoke coming from the house.
"The windows had blown and people were trying to get inside.
"I went out to help - there must have been around 20 people trying to get in.
"We tried in at the front and around the back but there was no way of getting inside. It was just engulfed by flames.
"It was a very difficult thing for everyone involved and of course the family too.
"She's very well known in the community and everyone had a lot of time for her. She was lovely.
"It's a very big shock for everyone."
Another neighbour added: "She was an elderly lady and very nice. Most people knew her."
Flowers had already been laid outside the house on Saturday morning.
A joint investigation between GMP and the fire service is underway to establish the cause of the fire.
Police say they have ruled out suspicious circumstances and confirmed that a woman in her 80s had died.
Anyone with information about the incident should call 101 quoting incident number 2502 of 14/05/2021.
Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
