An inquest has opened into the death of a 96-year-old woman who died in a house fire.

Olive Muriel Renecle, a retired secretary who was born in Birmingham, died on November 17 in her first floor flat in Fuchsia Lane, Governor’s Hall, Douglas.

Coroner of inquests Jayne Hughes opened the inquest on Monday. She said a post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death was smoke inhalation.

In a written report, Superintendant Jed Bibby, senior investigating officer, said Mrs Renecle was ’pronounced dead in the early hours of Sunday, November 17’ following a fire at her home address.

Mrs Hughes passed on her condolences to the friends and family of Mrs Renecle.

The inquest was adjourned while investigations are ongoing.