Elderly woman unaccounted for following Inverness house fire

Police in Inverness say a 71-year-old woman is unaccounted for following a serious house fire in the early hours of Friday morning.

Emergency services were called to the fire at a property on Island Bank Road at 1.55am. The woman who lived at the house is currently unaccounted for. Initial enquiries suggest that she was inside the property at the time of the fire.

"Due to the extensive structural damage, gaining entry to the building is likely to take some time"

Her next of kin are aware of the situation and efforts are ongoing to confirm the circumstances. No one else suffered serious injury.

Detective Inspector Steven Mackenzie said: "Our enquiries are at a very early stage. However, our initial enquiries suggest that an occupant was within the property that the time of the fire"

"Due to the extensive structural damage, gaining entry to the building is likely to take some time. Structural engineers will assess the building and advise when it will be safe to enter"

"Enquiries are continuing with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the full circumstances. I would like to thank local residents for their co-operation while these enquiries are ongoing.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved"