A FIRE safety officer has issued a warning following the tragic death of an elderly woman at Peasenhall.Firefighters were called to a cottage at The Street at just after 8am Sunday after a report of a blaze in a bedroom.

A FIRE safety officer has issued a warning following the tragic death of an elderly woman at Peasenhall.

Firefighters were called to a cottage at The Street at just after 8am Sunday after a report of a blaze in a bedroom.

The woman was found to be dead on their arrival.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The probe centres around a possible electrical fault, which may involve an electric blanket.

Retained fire crews from Halesworth, Saxmundham and Framlingham were all called to the scene.

Divisional Officer Fire Safety Paul Collins reminded householders to insure that they observe electrical safety at all times and not to use damaged electric blankets. He also asked householders to ensure that they were used and stored according to the manufacturer's instructions.

"Although we have not finalised the cause of the fire, any unnecessary electrical items and electric blankets should be switched off when people go to bed.

"We, in conjunction with trading standards, offer annual free testing of electric blankets. Details are available from Suffolk Fire Service's community fire safety department, and are advertised prior to the event."

Police said the death was not suspicious.

An inquest into the death is expected to be opened in due course.