The family of a woman killed after being rescued from a fire at her Eastbourne home say they are devastated by her death. 

Firefighters battled to revive Elizabeth Blacker, 87, who was pulled from her home in Darley Road, Eastbourne, at 1.55pm on Sunday.

She died at the scene, near Brighton's University's Eastbourne campus.

Yesterday her heartbroken son, who asked not to be named, said: “I am devastated.”

Standing outside his mother's gated home, he added: “She had a long and fruitful life.” He was too upset to speak any further.

Firefighters initially attended after a concerned passer-by - believed to be a neighbour - noticed smoke coming from an upstairs window above Ms Blacker's garage and called 999.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and subsequently called Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Police praised emergency services officers paramedics and firefighters “extensive efforts” to rescue Mrs Blacker who lived alone.

Yesterday the windows of her house were smashed and covered over with cardboard. The fire is being treated as accidental, although the exact cause is still being investigated.

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman yesterday said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of a woman who has died following a fire in Eastbourne.

"Three fire crews from Eastbourne and Pevensey were sent to the property and remained at the scene until approximately 8pm.

"A full search of the property was carried out by six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus who used two hose reels and foam to tackle the fire.

"A woman was rescued by firefighters but was unresponsive. Both fire service and ambulance personnel tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate her.

"Following the incident a full fire investigation was carried out and the cause was found to be accidental ignition."

Fire investigator, Richard Fowler, said: “This is a really tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”

A Sussex Police spokeswoman added: “The sole occupant, Elizabeth Blacker, was rescued by firefighters, but sadly died at the scene despite extensive efforts to revive her.

“Police have informed the family of the deceased, who do not come from Sussex. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, but is not being treated as suspicious.”

Local crews from Eastbourne will be in the area offering free fire safety advice, undertaking home safety visits and, where appropriate, fitting smoke alarms to surrounding properties.

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