A 74-year-old woman died after a house fire in Beccles on Tuesday, police have confirmed.

A joint fire and police investigation into the cause of the blaze in Rigbourne Hill remains ongoing, police also announced today.

A man and woman were found at the bottom of the stairs inside the semi-detached property after four fire engines were called to the scene at around 6.40am on Tuesday. The fire had been put out by 8am. The blaze is believed to have started on the first floor.

• Fire chief provides updates at the sceneToday, Suffolk Constabulary said: “An investigation is continuing into a fatal house fire in Beccles.

“Police were called by the fire service at 6.45am yesterday morning, Tuesday August 1, to reports that a property in Rigbourne Hill was alight and two persons were inside.

“Ambulance crews were also in attendance, but a 74-year-old woman sadly died at the scene. A man who was also present at the address was taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.

“A joint police and fire investigation into the cause of the blaze commenced yesterday morning and has been continuing today. “Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting reference CAD 35 of August 1.