Family's shock as sister, 58, found dead

An investigation has been launched following the death of a 58-year-old woman at her home on the Shropshire border.

Sheila Fox was found at her home at Weston-Under-Lizard, near Shifnal, on Saturday after her brother, Roy Fox, called to see her but could not get into her house.

An investigation has established there was a fire at the house, caused by Miss Fox's clothing catching alight on the open fire. It is not yet known whether Miss Fox died before or after the fire, which happened in the living room.

Today Mr Fox, of Wellington, said: "It's a tragic accident, we're still in shock. She was a very private person, she kept herself to herself."

Mr Fox said he was making his weekly trip to see his sister at about 4.30pm when he noticed something unusual.

He added: "The curtains were drawn and the house was all locked up. The gate was closed and the windows were all blacked out. Then my brother-in-law turned up and we rang the emergency services."

Miss Fox also had two sisters who live in Newport and Wellington. Neighbour Nancy Warrender said: "She was ever such a nice lady. It seems so sad."

Area Commander for South Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Keith Stubbs said: "When crews arrived at the incident the fire was already out and therefore we cannot establish exactly when the fire occurred.

"A post mortem should determine whether or not the lady died as a result of the fire."

Carol Evans, spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police, said officers were not treating the death as suspicious.