A WOMAN has tragically died after a fire tore through a home in Alloa.
Emergency services were scrambled to the scene on Primrose Street shortly before 5am on Sunday.
She was rushed to Forth Valley RoyalHospital but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The death is being treated as unexplained, and her next of kin have been made aware.
Photographs taken this afternoon show extensive damage to the top-floor flat, with its windows blackened by thick soot.
The affected building houses a number of residential flats and retail outlets.
Detectives were spotted in forensic suits carrying out their investigation this evening.
The pair were seen looking around a car that was parked in the street before going inside the building.
One local, who declined to be named, told how the street was full of emergency services shortly after the fire broke out.
The man said: “I was up for work at about 6am and I took the dog out. The street was heaving with police cars and fire engines.
“The officer wouldn’t tell me what was going on but then I heard some of the nearby houses were evacuated because the blaze.
“This is a really quiet part of town. I am not sure who lives in the block.
“It is such a shame they have died though.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that two appliances remained at the scene at 11am, down from the four that had initially responded to the blaze earlier in the morning.
Cops said that a “small number” of neighbouring properties were evacuated and urged people to avoid the area.
Roads around Primrose Street and Primrose Place were closed by emergency services as they worked to contain the fire.
Officers have said they are working with SFRS to establish the full circumstances of the fire.
They are also working with local partners to support residents who have been displaced following the evacuation.
Detective Inspector Graeme Connolly said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this time.
“We are continuing to coordinate with partners in response to the fire and a joint investigation with SFRS to establish the full circumstances will be carried out in due course.”
It’s understood the area will remain closed off for most of tomorrow to allow detectives and forensic teams carry out their probe.
