AN INQUEST has opened after a woman was killed in a house fire.

Winchester Coroner’s Coroner’s heard 51-year-old Ping Hang Man, also known as Patty, died at her home in Jacobs Close, Romsey, following the blaze.

Home Office pathologist Dr Basil Purdue gave a preliminary cause of death as inhalation of fire fumes.

As previously reported an investigation was launched after the fire broke out in the early hours of February 4.

Around 20 firefighters from Romsey, Redbridge and Eastleigh were called at about 3am to tackle a flames.

A man was taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

Now, a spokesman for Hampshire Fire Rescue Service has said: “A box of matches is the most likely ignition source.”

The spokesman added the fire broke out in a first-floor bedroom.

A Hampshire police spokesman has since confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious, and enquires are ongoing.

Emergency services also rushed to the same property the following over another fire.

Crews from Totton, Redbridge, Eastleigh and Romsey were called to the scene at 8am and left at 9am. It was treated as a reignition of the original fire.

Following the fire, neighbours told the Echo of their shock. One resident who has lived in the close for ten years but didn’t want to be named said: “It’s shocking but I knew something major had happened from the number of engines. There was a lot of crying.”

Rosie Holder, 68, who lives in Jacobs Close, added: “My dog woke me up barking at around 3.15am. I looked out of the window and saw police and people going into my neighbour’s house.

“I vaguely knew her. She didn’t have much to do with anyone but she was really lovely and was always pleasant.”

Romsey town councillor John Parker also paid his respects: “It is a very sad incident and it is very rare in our area. My thoughts are with her family.”

Senior coroner Grahame Short adjourned the inquest into Ms Man’s death until August 1.