Herts Fire and Rescue have confirmed that an elderly woman died at the scene of an accidental fire.

Firefighters had been called to a home in Squires Ride, Hemel Hempstead at around 7.50pm on March 11 following reports of the blaze.

The first fire engine, from Hemel Hempstead fire station, arrived on scene in under five minutes and road closures were put in place while they tackled it.

The crews were able to "quickly" bring it under control and get the woman out before 8pm, but the service has since shared that "despite best efforts of all involved", she was pronounced dead at the scene.

No one else was injured, according to police. The victim’s family have been supported by specially trained staff.

A Herts Fire and Rescue service spokesperson said: “A fire investigation was carried out following this incident and the cause was deemed to be accidental.”

Although the fire took place more than a week ago, the woman’s death has only now been confirmed.