The smoke alarms were not working in a flat in which an elderly woman died in a fire, it has been revealed.

Fire crews pulled a woman from the first floor flat blaze in Aberdeen but she died shortly later in hospital as a result of her injuries.

Emergency services arrived at the fire in the city’s Hilton Drive at around 6.20pm on Tuesday.

The victim was the only person in the flat at the time of the incident.

Grampian Police are not treating the fire as suspicious, however enquiries are ongoing with Grampian Fire and Rescue Service.

Chief Fire Officer David Dalziel of Grampian Fire and Rescue said: “This tragic loss of life is a solemn reminder to all of us on the importance of fire safety education and prevention.

“Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the victim.”  

Fire officers have reminded people to check their smoke alarms once a week.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.