West Chiltington fire: Elderly couple believed to be victims
Emergency services say their bodies have been recovered following the blaze
Emergency services believe that the two people killed in a house fire in West Chiltington on Boxing Day were an elderly couple.
In a joint statement, Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue said the pair's bodies had both been recovered following the blaze in Harbolets Road.
Formal identification of the bodies is still yet to take place, but it is understood they are those of 90-year-old Francis Dougharty and 86-year-old Madeleine Dougharty.
Investigations are continuing to establish the cause of the blaze, which crews were first called to at around 9.10am on Saturday.
Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Fire engines from the local area arrived quickly at the scene and a section of the road was closed, and the fire was extinguished.
“Two people were sadly confirmed deceased at the scene. Their bodies have since been recovered.
“They are believed to be married couple Francis Dougharty, 90, and Madeleine Dougharty, 86, however they are yet to be formally identified.
“Enquiries are ongoing, and a joint investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire.”