Formal identification of a woman who died in a house fire in Christchurch yesterday could take some days, police say.
Fire Services were called to the blaze on Stourbridge St, in Spreydon about 5.50pm.
Assistant area fire commander Dave Burford said the house, including the roof, back of the house, kitchen and lounge area, was well alight when firefighters arrived.
After the fire was put out they found a body in the kitchen.
"As far as we know it was an elderly lady who lived on her own.''
Christchurch police said the woman has not been identified through usual means and formal identification could take some days.
Investigations into the cause of the fire were continuing, but initial indications were it was not suspicious, police said.
A neighbour said she was home making dinner yesterday when she heard the windows smashing and went outside to see black smoke pouring from the house.
She did not know the woman living there but said it was a quiet neighbourhood.
