Tributes are laid for elderly couple who were found dead after an explosion at their country cottage
- A couple named as Sue and Paul were found dead in Cranberry, Staffordshire
- Fire crews said they were called out to reports of an explosion on August 15
- The couple, who are believed to be in their 70s, were found dead at the scene
An elderly couple were found dead after an explosion at their country cottage.
Fire crews were called out to reports of an explosion shortly after 10am on August 15, and a couple, named locally as Sue and Paul, were found dead in a garage at the property in Cranberry, Staffordshire.
Flowers were tonight laid in tribute outside the house for the pair, who are believed to be in their 70s.
The blaze, which destroyed the garage, is not being treated as suspicious.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed: ‘We were called by the fire service to reports of a fire at a property on Biddles Lane, Cotes Heath, Stafford at 10.14am on Saturday.
Fire crews said they were called out to reports of an explosion shortly after 10am on Saturday
The couple, named locally as Sue and Paul, were found dead in a garage at their home in Cranberry, Staffordshire (pictured: A note attached to flowers left by the house)
‘Three paramedic officers, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill attended the scene.
‘Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save two occupants and they were confirmed deceased on scene.’
Fire crews from nearby Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stone and Longton attended the blaze.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said they responded to reports of an ‘explosion and fire’ at the cottage.
A spokesman said: ‘On arrival, a garage was on fire and it was established that two people were sadly found deceased inside. The fire was extinguished and a search of the cottage confirmed no one was in the house at the time of the fire.
Flowers were tonight laid in tribute outside the house. The blaze, which destroyed the garage, is not being treated as suspicious
‘Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is working with Staffordshire Police to investigate the circumstances around the fire. A joint fire investigation is being carried out with West Midlands Fire Service.’
Staffordshire Police said: ‘Police were called to reports of a fire at a property in Cranberry, near Stafford, at 10.20am on Saturday following a call from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
‘During a search of the property on Biddles Lane, a man and a woman in their 70s, were sadly found deceased in the garage.
‘Colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service examined the scene and the fire is not believed to be suspicious at this time.’
A file has been prepared for the coroner.