A BLAZE which caused the death of a pensioner is thought to have been started by smoking materials she was using.
Pauline Hurst (70) died in the front room of her semi-detached bungalow in Sutton Bridge on Saturday morning.
Tony Callaby, who lives opposite Mrs Hurst’s carer-assisted home in Princes Street, was able to lead her Down’s syndrome daughter Kathrine (Katie) to safety.
He had spotted the fire when he went outside to defrost his car at around 7.30am.
Mr Callaby, a 56-year-old caravan engineer, has been left traumatised by what he saw and said being so close to Christmas had not heightened the sense of tragedy.
He added: “It’s awful at any time of year. A lot of people knew her and she will be badly missed.”
• Full story in Lincolnshire Free Press December 20 edition