A POLICE cordon has been placed around a bungalow following the discovery of a woman's body at the address.
The woman, in her 50s, was found dead in the specially-adapted property following a fire on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Irvine Way on the Somerford estate in Christchurch at 3.22pm.
Police, fire and ambulance crews entered the property and discovered the woman. She was confirmed dead at the scene.
The bungalow is one of four in the cul-de-sac which are specially adapted for use by people with additional needs.
It is opposite a block of flats, which overlooks the Christchurch bypass.
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Echo: "I walked down the stairs to put my washing out and I could smell smoke.
The police arrived and they have since told us that someone has died."
Another resident said: "The police were here all night but no one has told us what happened."
A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "At 3.22pm on Tuesday October 30 Dorset Police received a report that the body of a woman aged in her 50s had been found at an address in Irvine Way in Christchurch following a fire at the premises.
"Officers attended, along with the ambulance and fire service, and sadly the death was confirmed by paramedics.
"The woman’s family has been informed and the coroner has been notified."
The police spokesman said the death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage but detailed investigations are taking place in conjunction with the fire service.
"A cordon will remain in place at the address to allow these examinations to be carried out" he added.
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