RIP: Investigation launched after woman dies in early-morning house fire in Limerick

An investigation is underway after an elderly woman died in an early-morning house fire in Limerick city.

The alarm was raised in the early hours of this Saturday and emergency services, including crews from Limerick Fire and Rescue Service, were quickly deployed to the scene at Wolfe Tone Street, close to the city centre.

It's understood the fire was quickly brought under control and that the body of the woman, who was aged in her 70s, was discovered during a subsequent search of the property.

She was pronounced deceased at the scene and arrangements will now be made to carry out a post-mortem examination on her body.

The scene of the fire has been preserved by gardai to facilitate a technical examination which will be carried out by the local forensic unit.

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Gardai have confirmed that investigations into the overnight incident are ongoing and any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to come forward.

While the investigation is at an early stage, it's understood there is nothing to suggest foul play and it's expected a file will be prepared and forwarded to the local coroner.