An elderly woman who died in her home is believed to have been overcome by fumes from a smouldering electric blanket.

Nora Lightbown, 91, was found in the bathroom of her terrace house in Knowlesley Road, Darwen, yesterday morning.

And her death has prompted firefighters to renew their warnings about the dangers of old and worn electric blankets.

The fire crew had to use breathing apparatus to go into the house as it was filled with acrid smoke and fumes.

They found the electric blanket smouldering in the bedroom and Miss Lightbown's body in the bathroom.

Police believe she got out of bed to go to the toilet and was then overcome by smoke.

Assistant divisional officer Kevin Murray of Blackburn fire station said: "We are almost 100 per cent certain that this fire was caused by an electric underblanket that had been left switched on while the lady was in bed.

"We would urge people who are getting their electric blankets out of their cupboards for the winter to have them serviced before they use them.

"Also, electric blankets should not be left on when you are in bed. "They should be used to warm the bed up and then switched off when it is time to get into bed."

Firefighters are trying to find out which company manufactured Miss Lightbown's electric blanket but are struggling as most of its markings were burned away in the fire.

Inspector Stuart Coates of Darwen Police said: "This is a real tragedy. Miss Lightbown was obviously a well-looked after lady who had a nice house and good neighbours who looked in on her regularly."

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