An elderly woman was identified using DNA profiling after she died in a fire last month.
Mary Seagrave, who would have been celebrating her 83rd birthday tomorrow, was killed by the blaze which raged through her home in Hemsby on Sunday March 4.
Emergency services were called to Ormesby Glebe where the widow lived alone after a neighbour called 999 when she saw the flames which eventually claimed Mrs Seagrave’s life.
Area coroner for Norfolk Yvonne Blake stated at this inquest opening this morning that the medical cause of death was smoke inhalation and burns as a result of conflagration.
At the time of the fire Keith Kyriacou, chairman of Hemsby Parish Council, said: “My condolences are with the family and the council will help in any way we can.”
Mrs Seagrave was well-liked by her neighbours, with one calling her a “lovely lady”.
The inquest has been adjourned for a paper review on July 18 before a full hearing will eventually take place.
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