A beloved local woman in her 80s has tragically died following a horrific fire that engulfed her ground floor flat in Shrewsbury during the early hours of the morning. Emergency services were called to the substantial blaze on Castle Street at approximately 3.22am but confirmed that nothing could be done to save Rose Roberts, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Heartfelt Tributes to an 'Amazing Person'
Her daughter, Jessica Richards, who operates the Shrewsbury Arts and Crafts Centre, paid an emotional tribute to her mother. She described Rose Roberts as an "amazing person" who was "loved by so many" and stated she was "my everything." Ms Richards also revealed her mother had previously been instrumental in saving the very historic timber-framed building where the fire occurred.
Historic Building with Cinematic Legacy
The striking town centre property is notable for its appearance in the 1984 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol and features a plaque dating part of the structure to 1581. "My mother Rose Roberts saved these buildings. She was lost in the fire," Ms Richards said, highlighting the profound personal and historical loss.
Eyewitness Account of the Blaze
Dorian Gerhold, a 68-year-old resident living opposite, reported being awoken around 4am by the sound of falling slates. "I looked out the window and saw flames shooting out from the house," he recounted. Mr Gerhold noted the fire appeared well-established and took a considerable time to extinguish, with the building still smouldering into the late morning. He added that while the structure might be restorable, the roof and interior had sustained severe damage.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews arrived within four minutes of the initial call, with ten fire appliances deployed at the incident's peak. Nearby residents were evacuated as firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which is now reported as under control. A multi-agency investigation involving police is underway to determine the fire's cause, though it is not currently being treated as suspicious.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson detailed that a woman had been extricated from the property by fire crews but could not be saved. A man assessed at the scene declined hospital treatment and was discharged.
Ongoing Disruption and Community Support
Road closures and cordons between Shrewsbury Library and St Mary's Place remained in place as emergency services continued their work. The public was urged to avoid the area. Shropshire Council has established an emergency contact number for those seeking information about evacuated relatives and friends.
Superintendent Helen Kinrade of Shropshire Police expressed condolences, stating: "Sadly one person has died in the fire which started in the early hours of this morning and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time." The community now mourns the loss of a woman deeply cherished by many.
