A woman has been found dead after a fire at a residential property for elderly people in Esher.

Firefighters were called to Gunters Mead, in Copsem Lane, at 9pm on Thursday, March 21, to tackle a blaze in which the body of a woman in her 80s was found.

A spokesman for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there was a fatality in the fire and said there would be an investigation, meaning they were unable to comment further.

Rosemary Simmons Memorial Housing Association (RSMHA), which owns Gunters Mead, confirmed that a female resident had passed away.

Paul Yates, chief executive of RSMHA, said: “It is with enormous regret that Rosemary Simmons Housing Association can confirm that a resident at the Gunters Mead retirement scheme in Esher died in their home on Thursday, March 21, apparently as a result of a fire at their home that evening.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

“The fire brigade and emergency services attended promptly and dealt with the fire but sadly were unable to save the resident concerned.

“The rest of the building and other flats located in it were unaffected by the fire and residents were all back in their homes later that evening.

“Our staff were on site all day on Friday, March 22, to offer support and reassurance to other residents.

“We now await the fire officer’s official report.”

Gunters Mead is a retirement scheme for independent people aged over 60 who are no longer in full-time employment.

Located between Esher and Oxshott, the housing comprises of 65 one and two bedroom flats in six acres of landscaped communal gardens.