AN investigation into last week's fatal fire in Hereford has concluded that the cause was accidental.

Investigation officers from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spent the weekend looking at the reasons behind the blaze in Cobhall Close, Redhill.

A woman who lived in the terraced home died at the scene last Friday while a man who was outside the property received treatment by ambulance staff for minor injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment.

A woman from a neighbouring property was also assessed by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment.

The fire service today issued a statement which recorded their findings.

It said: "Fire Investigation Officers from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service can confirm that the cause of Friday's fatal house fire in Cobhall Close, Hereford was accidental."

A fire investigation report is now being prepared for the coroner.

More than 30 firefighters fought the blaze and the service said its thoughts are with the family of the deceased and her husband.