A house fire which killed an elderly woman with her husband only narrowly escaping with his life was an accident, a coroner has ruled.

Elderly Patricia Bond had been bedbound and was unable to escape the fire which damaged around 50 per cent of the ground floor of the home she shared with her husband David in Fir Tree Close, Epsom Downs.

From January: "All you could see was flames": Woman helps neighbour whose wife was killed in fire

Mr Bond was rescued by a taxi driver who spotted the fire in the detached house at about 8.15pm and risked his own life by going in. He was taken to Epsom Hospital for treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.

Firefighters evacuated Mrs Bond from the house on January 24 but despite their best efforts were unable to save her.

A coroner at Woking Coroner’s Court ruled on Wednesday, July 22, Mrs Bond’s death was accidental.

A neighbour at the time had said: "It’s an awful way to die. It’s sad. I think when they got in she was already overcome by the smoke."

Another neighbour paid tribute to Mrs Bond after the fire: "It’s a very tragic accident.

"She was a lovely lady and we have known them a long time. A tragic way to go. We are all upset."

The couple are believed to have lived in the house for around 30 years. Mr Bond is currently living with the couple’s two adult children.