A second pensioner has died in a house fire.

The woman, who has been named as Elaine Cuthbert, was found in an upstairs bedroom in the house in Rye Ash, Crawley at about 9.30am today.

Firefighters were called by a neighbour who saw smoke coming from a bedroom window.

Three crews attended the scene and forced their way in to the property through a double glazed front door.

Ms Cuthbert was found in a rear bedroom but was pronounced dead at the scene.

The fire was restricted to the bedroom where she was found.

The house had no working smoke alarm.

Pete Martin, Fire Service District Commander for the Crawley Area, said: "Unfortunately on this occasion it was too late for our firefighters to save this lady, as we believe the fire may have been burning for several hours before we were called. Even if Mrs Cuthbert hadn't been able to respond herself, the sound of a smoke alarm, if one had been fitted, may have alerted the neighbours sooner."

Yesterday, another woman died at her home in Parkway, Ratton, Eastbourne, after a fire.

Neither blaze is believed to be suspicious.