Tributes have been paid to a “feisty” woman who died following a fire at her home in Watford.

Margaret McKeever, also known as “Madge” had lived in her Longcroft flat for 30 years and was described by one neighbour as “a lovely woman”.

“I used to say ‘when the sun comes out, you come out’,” she added.

Fire crews from Watford and Garston rushed to scene just before 4am on Wednesday after being alerted by an automatic fire alarm.

Upon gaining entry to the ground-floor flat, firefighters discovered a small fire in the bedroom of the property.

They extinguished the blaze and rescued the occupant – a woman in her 90s – before administering CPR.

Despite their best effort and those of East of England Ambulance Service paramedics, she died later in hospital.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service area commander Andy Hopcraft said: “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.

“We currently believe that the fire started accidentally, but a fire investigation is now taking place to establish the cause.”

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Ben Johnson, director of operations at Watford Community Housing Trust, added: “Sadly there has been a fatality following a fire that took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning in one of our Longcroft sheltered flats.

“Our thoughts are with the resident’s family and we would like to offer our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. We are working with them to provide all the help and support we can.

“We are providing our full assistance to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, who are conducting an investigation.

“Our staff were on site quickly following the incident and we have maintained a presence at Longcroft throughout the day in order to provide reassurance and assistance to residents. I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to call us on 0800 218 2247.”