Women aged 91 and 89 died in 'extremely fierce' blaze at care home

Two residents who died in a Hertfordshire care home blaze were both women aged 91 and 89, police said.

Firefighters rescued 33 people from Newgrange residential home in Cheshunt after flames engulfed the upper floors of the building.

Two died in the fire and three other residents are in hospital in a serious condition, according to Hertfordshire Police.

A spokeswoman said: "Two people sadly passed away during the incident.

"Formal identification has not yet taken place but they are believed to be two women, aged 91 and 89.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident."

Emergency services are continuing to investigate how the fire at the 38-bed facility in Cadmore Lane was started.

Dozens of firefighters were sent to tackle the inferno, which ripped through the first floor and roof of the building.

Hertfordshire County Council said in a statement: "Firefighters were faced with an extremely fierce fire, well-established in the first floor and the roof of the building, which has since collapsed.

"Thirty-three residents were rescued and firefighters worked closely with police and ambulance colleagues to evacuate them to a nearby emergency reception centre."

More than £2,000 has been raised through an online fund set up to help residents in the aftermath of the tragedy.