A WOMAN who died after a blaze destroyed her bungalow in a south Herefordshire village has been named locally as Mollie Grabham.

Five fire engines were sent to Orcop Hill on Tuesday night at 10.51pm.

Firefighters searched the bungalow for the missing occupant as they tackled the fire.

A body was recovered from the building yesterday morning.

Rose Morgan, who lives nearby, said she thought Mrs Grabham was in her 80s.

She said: "Everyone liked her. She kept herself to herself but she was well known in the village."

Mrs Morgan said Mrs Grabham would split her time between her home in Orcop Hill, which was built by her late husband, and a house in another Herefordshire village.

She said she saw the fire engines and was told the fire was very intense.

Area commander Mark Preece said: “Sadly a woman lost her life following a severe fire on Tuesday night. Our thoughts go out to her family during this difficult time."

A full fire investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Mr Preece added: “These tragic incidents are a timely reminder of the importance of having of working smoke alarms within the home.

"Smoke alarms provide an early warning so we urge people to fit a working smoke alarm on every level of their home and ensure they are tested on a weekly basis.”

For fire safety advice visit www.hwfire.org.uk