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Local representative have spoken of the shock and sadness in the community after a woman in her 50s died following a fire at a house.

Police this afternoon confirmed the woman’s tragic death at the scene of the fire at Rossdowney Road in the Waterside.

Emergency services were tasked to the scene at around 7.30am this morning (Sunday March 7).

Representatives from the DUP, Sinn Féin, the SDLP and Alliance are among those who have expressed their condolences.

Rossdowney Road at the junction of Ardlough Road has been closed to all traffic while Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service deal with a fire at residential premises . DER2110GS – 004

Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said: “People are in shock today following the death of a woman in a tragic house fire on Rossdowney Road this morning.

“I want to offer my sincere condolences to the lady’s family and friends at an incredibly difficult time.

“I spoke to neighbours this morning who are shocked and deeply saddened.

“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency responders who attended the incident this morning for their bravery and professionalism.

PSNI vehicle at Rossdowney Road. The Road has been closed to all traffic at the junction of Crescent Link while Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service deal with a fire at residential premises . DER2110GS – 003

“I’m sure all of our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this awful time and also with those brave emergency responders attending to the incident.”

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson also expressed her condolences following the death of the woman.

The Foyle MLA said: “The local community was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of a woman in a house fire in the Rossdowney Road area of the city.

“I commend the efforts of the Fire and Rescue Service in attempting to save the woman.

Rossdowney Road has been closed to all traffic at the junction of Crescent Link while Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service deal with a fire at residential premises . DER2110GS – 001

“My thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones at this sad time.”

DUP Foyle MLA Gary Middleton said: “Deeply sorry to hear that a woman has died following a fire at a property on the Rossdowney Road this morning.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and friends at this time.”

Alliance Councillor Philip McKinney meanwhile said: “It is with great sadness that I have to report a woman has lost her life in the fire on Rossdowney Road.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.”

Confirming the woman’s death PSNI Inspector Hamilton said: “Police received a report of the fire at 7:30am. One woman was taken from the property, but tragically died at the scene.

“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and will be subject to investigation, in liaison with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

“The Rossdowney Road remains closed following the incident.

“There are no further details at this time.”

Earlier this morning Rossdowney Road was closed at the junction with Ardlough Road as Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service crews dealt with the fire at the residential premises.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative main routes for their journey.

Neighbours ‘shocked and deeply saddened’ as woman’s death confirmed after fire at house in Derry