AN ELDERLY woman has died in a flat fire in Ilkley.

The 89-year-old woman died in the blaze on Cowpasture Road on Thursday morning.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Police are now able to confirm that a fire in Ilkley today (Thursday) has sadly proved fatal.

"An 89-year-old woman died in the fire at an address in Cowpasture Road, which police were called to at 8.37am. Her family have been informed.

"Enquiries are continuing with the fire service to establish the circumstances of the blaze.

"Road closures are currently on and are likely to remain in place until later this afternoon."

It is believed that the affected building is a large three-storey terraced property with seven flats. The roof has been destroyed.

It is understood the Fire Service has managed to locate all the other residents.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the domestic property fire in Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, at 08.34am on Thursday.

Five fire engines from Otley, Silsden, Rawdon, Bingley and Keighley stations attended as well as an aerial appliance from Bradford.

Attending fire crews quickly extinguished the fire but despite their best efforts an 89-year-old woman sadly passed away at the property.

Speaking on Thursday Bradford District Commander Benjy Bush said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the lady’s friends and family at this difficult time.

“Enquiries are continuing and we have a specialist fire investigation officer onsite today to establish the circumstances of the fire.

“It is likely that firefighters will also remain onsite for the rest of this afternoon.”