The family of an octogenarian woman who perished in a devastating fire at a historic 16th century building in Shrewsbury have shared their heart-wrenching tributes, mourning the loss of a beloved matriarch. Rose Roberts, aged in her 80s, was tragically killed in the blaze that engulfed her home on Windsor Place in the early hours of Tuesday morning, leaving a community in shock.
A Heartbreaking Loss for the Family
Rose Roberts' daughter, Jessica Richards, who manages the Shrewsbury Arts and Crafts Centre, paid an emotional tribute to her mother, describing her as an 'amazing person' who was 'loved by so many'. In a poignant statement, Ms Richards revealed the deep connection her mother had to the historic timber-framed town-centre building involved in the fire, noting that Rose had played a crucial role in saving these structures years earlier.
'My mother Rose Roberts saved these buildings. She was lost in the fire. It is just so shocking. She was an amazing person, loved by so many. She was my everything,' Ms Richards said, her words echoing the profound grief felt by all who knew Rose.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, rushed to Perches House on Windsor Place, just off Castle Street, after receiving reports of the fire at 3.30am on Tuesday. Despite the valiant efforts of firefighters who rescued Mrs Roberts from the property, she sustained severe injuries and could not be saved by medics on the scene.
A man was also injured during the chaotic incident, but his injuries were not deemed serious or life-threatening. He declined hospital treatment and was discharged by West Midlands Ambulance Service staff. Other residents in the vicinity were evacuated by the fire brigade as a precautionary measure.
An investigation has been launched by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service to determine the exact cause of the fire. Authorities have stated that the blaze is not currently being treated as suspicious, though a thorough inquiry is underway to understand how it started.
Historic Significance of the Building
Perches House holds notable historical and cultural value, having been used in the 1984 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol, where it served as the office of Ebenezer Scrooge. This adds a layer of poignancy to the tragedy, as the building that once featured in a beloved holiday tale is now the site of a fatal fire.
Community Impact and Official Statements
A critical incident has been declared as emergency services collaborate to tackle the fire and support evacuated residents. Surrounding roads have been closed, and the public is advised to avoid the area to allow for safe operations. Shropshire Council has set up an emergency contact number for those seeking information about evacuated relatives and friends.
Superintendent Helen Kinrade, speaking on behalf of the multi-agency response, expressed condolences: 'Sadly one person has died in the fire which started in the early hours of this morning and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time.' She emphasised the coordinated efforts of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and Shropshire Council in managing the incident.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman added, 'Ambulance staff arrived to find an active flat fire. A woman had been extricated from the property by fire colleagues. Sadly, nothing could be done to save the woman, and she was confirmed deceased by paramedics on scene.'
The community of Shrewsbury now mourns the loss of Rose Roberts, a woman remembered for her contributions and the love she shared, as investigations continue into this tragic event at a piece of local history.
