A woman in her 80s has died in a fire at a historic Elizabethan flat in Shrewsbury. Rose Roberts, described by her daughter as 'amazing', lost her life when the blaze tore through the timber-framed property on Castle Street in the early hours of the morning.
Her daughter, Jessica Richards, paid tribute, saying: 'My mother Rose Roberts saved these buildings. She was lost in the fire.' She added: 'It is just so shocking. She was an amazing person. She was my everything.'
The building, which dates back to 1581, is a local landmark and featured in the 1984 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol. A second person suffered injuries, though these are not believed to be life-threatening.
Witness Dorian Gerhold, 68, was woken by the sound of falling roof slats. 'I looked out the window and saw flames shooting out from the house,' she told the Mirror. 'It is one of the town's most historic buildings. I think the building could be restored but the roof is very badly damaged as well as the interior.'
A critical incident was declared as fire crews worked to prevent the flames from spreading to neighbouring shops. Shropshire Council established an emergency helpline for families. Mayor of Shrewsbury Alex Wagner said Rose was 'part of the fabric of our town centre community and was well loved by many in Shrewsbury'.
Superintendent Helen Kinrade said: 'Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time.' Police confirmed the fire is not currently being treated as suspicious, and fire investigators remain at the scene to determine the cause.
