Tributes have poured in for an elderly couple who died in a house fire yesterday (Monday) in Holmer Green.

Emergency services were called out to reports of a blaze on the first floor of a two-storey, end-of-terrace house in Skimmers Close at around 4am.

The couple, locally named as Brian and Eileen Hazell, were rescued but sadly pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Heartbroken neighbours paid tribute to the couple, with Amelia Brooks saying they “couldn’t have wished for better neighbours”.

She said: “They were kind and helpful, always there if we needed them.

“Brian used to cut our lawn when he did his own, and always time for a chat with us and our children.

“We will really miss them, and feel very sad especially for their family at this time.”

Flowers and cards were also left outside their home by residents who knew them.

Paul Fountain, who lives a few doors down from Mr and Mrs Hazell, said he knew them for more than 25 years.

He said: “Brian and Eileen were great friends, a wonderful couple and great neighbours. They will be sorely missed.

“I knew Brian mainly because he liked his cars – he worked for a garage. He [also] used to like cutting the grass.

“And Eileen she loved her cats. She was a cat person. They were really lovely people.”

People also expressed their condolences on social media, with Karen Herbert commenting: “Very sad, RIP – but great work to all the fire crew involved in such difficult circumstances,” and Anita Avery saying: “So sad – RIP.”

Molly Young said: “Such a very sad story. I really feel for their family,” while Kyrstle Keen commented: “So sad – may they rest in peace together,” and Sally Watson said: “Thoughts are with the family at this sad time.”