Forensic experts were today preparing to sift through the burned out remains of a rural farmhouse in which at least one person died.

Firefighters were forced from the isolated building in Treyford near Harting last night when the roof collapsed minutes after discovering the body of an elderly woman in the sitting room.

The woman, who has not been named, was found by fire crews as flames tore through the farmhouse, but was left in situ when the building became unsafe.

Her remains will be recovered today.

It is believed the pensioner was alone in the property but police have not ruled out the possibility that others may have died.

A Home Office forensic scientist, together with scenes of crime officers from Sussex Police and investigators from West Sussex Fire Brigade, were due to examine the site today to investigate possible arson.

A dog walker called the emergency services when he spotted the house on fire yesterday. More than 60 firefighters from West Sussex and Hampshire battled the blaze.