A DISABLED woman died during a fire at her Horwich home.

The body of 59-year-old Kathleen Bates was discovered in a downstairs lounge by firefighters who entered the blazing house.

Ms Bates, a divorcee, who has lived in the semi-detached house on Makinson Avenue for 19 years, is believed to have been the only person at home when the fire began. Her pet cat and dog also perished in the flames.

Detectives at Astley Bridge CID investigating the fire do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances, but the exact cause of the fire was still under investigation today.

Three fire crews from the Bolton North and Horwich stations were rushed to the scene at around 1.50am on Sunday after a next-door-neighbour, who had heard a smoke detector going off, raised the alarm.

Station Officer Dave Pimblett, of Bolton North fire station, said: "It is an awful tragedy.

"We were confronted with a huge fire. She had two active fire alarms which both sounded before melting in the heat. It is possible she died of natural causes."

John Henry, manager of the fire investigation and arson reduction team, said he believed the fire had started downstairs. He said: "The lounge itself is gutted and the whole house has suffered severe smoke damage." The neighbour, who raised the alarm, said Ms Bates lived alone and used a wheelchair. He said she was regularly visited by friends.

Detective Constable Paul Saboor, of Astley Bridge CID, said: "I can confirm we are investigating the death of a female.

"At the present time we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances."