Elderly couple die in Lichfield Road house fire

An elderly couple in their 80s died in Stone in a fire at their home in Lichfield Road.

Peter Goffe, 86. and his wife Beryl, 85, lost their lives in what police have described as a “tragic accident”.

DS Stuart Carter from Staffordshire Police said: “Our joint inquiries at the scene with fire investigators have now concluded and have established that this was a tragic accident. The exact cause of ignition will be subject to further investigation. The deaths are not being treated as suspicious and a full report will now be prepared for HM Coroner.”

The couple were carried out of the detached property after being found on the first floor in the tragic incident on Tuesday 24th September. Paramedics were unable to revive them and they were pronounced dead at the scene. It is believed the fire started in a bedroom.

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A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “Officers were called to a report of a house fire in Lichfield Road, Stone, by colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at around 6.25pm on Tuesday 24th September. Officers attended to assist with closing the road while fire officers extinguished the fire.

“Sadly, the two occupants, an elderly man and woman, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their immediate family have been informed and are being offered support.”

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Rob Barber said: “The house was smoke-logged when firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the property but there was no sign of fire. Two occupants were found on the first floor landing and firefighters removed the couple from the property prior to the arrival of the ambulance service.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service rapid response vehicle and a paramedic area support officer were dispatched to the scene. A spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived on scene to find firefighters carrying out CPR on two people who had been brought out of a smoke-filled property. Ambulance crews immediately assessed the patients but sadly it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man and the woman and they were confirmed deceased at the scene.”