Couple in their 90s die as blaze guts 17th Century Sheffield farmhouse
Emergency services were called to the Grade II-listed building on Spout Lane, Stannington, Sheffield, shortly after 3am and found it engulfed in flames.
The property was deemed too unsafe for firefighters to check immediately whether anyone was trapped inside. They later found the bodies of a man and woman.
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Hide AdNeighbour Ann Currier said: “I’m really sorry for them, what a terrible way to go. They were so friendly, sociable and kind and both did a lot in the community.”
She said the man, whom she knew as Len, used to give away plants and books to neighbours and their children.
Ms Currier added: “They used to do a lot for the school as well, just a really nice couple.
“I would often see them and talk. Len was very knowledgeable and would always say hello.”
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Hide AdAnother neighbour, Oscar Cam, 17, said he was awoken at around 3am by what he thought were exploding fireworks.
Mr Cam, whose family lives in the property closest to the farmhouse, said: “I could hear this crackling sound, just like a bonfire. So I looked out of the window and could see this huge fire. It was really scary.
“I ran to wake my mum and stepdad up because I was worried that the fire might spread to the trees and then set our house on fire.
“The noise of the fire was frightening. It was like a load of fireworks had been lit.”
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Hide AdFire crews and police remained at the scene throughout today. National Grid engineers were also at the scene.
A structural engineer was called in to oversee the search because the house had been left in a “dangerous” condition.
A fire service spokesman said: “When crews from Rivelin, Central and Elm Lane stations arrived at the scene, the farmhouse was well alight.”
He said a joint fire and police investigation was now underway to establish the cause of the fire. Two nearby roads, Acorn Way and Acorn Drive, which were closed for much of today, have now reopened.