A woman in her 80s has died after a fire in her home at Robertson Road in Lhanbryde on Tuesday morning.
Three Scottish Fire and Rescue units were called from Elgin and Fochabers to the scene after the alarm had been raised shortly after 7am.
Also in attendance were paramedics and the Scottish Ambulance Service although both were stood down shortly after their arrival. The semi-detached bungalow was cordoned off by police following the fire.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “We can confirm that a woman in her 80s has died as a result of this fire. Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are jointly investigating this incident.
“We will need to speak to the next of kin and are in the process of doing that now.”
The victim was later named locally as Cathy Henderson, a widow who had only recently got out of hospital but was regularly visited by carers.
Fochabers/Lhanbryde councillor Sean Morton expressed his sadness at what he described as a “tragedy”, saying: “I live in Lhanbryde and will be a shock to the entire village. My heart goes out to everyone who knows this lady and I hope everyone living nearby is safe and sound.
“If there is anything I can do personally to help the family and friends I will do my best.”
Also representing the ward is SNP councillor Margo Howe, who said: “I was so sorry to hear about such an awful tragedy in Lhanbryde and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone close to the lady who has sadly lost her life.
“An incident like this also has a big impact on the wider community and I know that folk will pull together to help in any way that they can.”