The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THE body of an elderly woman was found burnt beyond recognition in her home in Cat Island early yesterday morning.

Police said while investigations are continuing, they do not suspect foul play or arson.

Superintendent Walter Evans, head of police Fire Services, said officers were alerted to the fire in the Dumfries settlement shortly after 6am on Wednesday.

Supt Evans said Fire Services personnel from the capital were dispatched to Cat Island to investigate the blaze. There is no fire department in the settlement.

“When officers from Fire Services and the Central Detective Unit arrived in Cat Island, assisted by local officers, they discovered a limestone structure completely burned to the ground,” Supt Evans said.

“When searching the debris, Fire Services personnel discovered the remains of what is believed to be a female, burned beyond recognition. Officers conducted their investigations and at this point arson or foul play is not suspected. Our officers will remain on the island until the investigation is completed.”

The victim has not been officially identified but The Tribune understands she is 72-year-old Miriam Webb.

Supt Evans said another fire that happened last Saturday has left a man fighting for his life in hospital. That fire took place in New Providence.

“On Saturday we had a fire in the Culmersville area. A man was at home when a fire started, the house was not completely destroyed but the man received very extensive burns to his body. When officers called the hospital today to check on his condition, we were told that he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit and is in very critical condition. The cause of that fire remains unknown.”

Investigations into both incidents continue.