UPDATE: Residents 'shocked' after fatal house fire in early hours

Up to 40 firefighters battled the “huge” blaze on Catherine Street at 2.05am.

The body of a woman, believed to be a mother-of-three and aged in her 30s, was found inside the property.

Neighbour Deaton Josephs, aged 53, said: “I was in my house doing paperwork when I could hear a ‘cracking’ noise. I thought someone was trying to break into my van so I opened my window and then I saw the smoke.

“I grabbed my phone and called 999.

“I ran outside and knocked on three or four doors to wake people up to get them to move their cars because I didn’t think the fire engines would be able to get through.

“The fire service arrived within five minutes.”

Eye witnesses said there was three fire engines on the street, as well as police and paramedics.

Crews from Chesterfield, Staveley and Clay Cross attended the incident.

Police and fire investigators are currently at the house carrying out inquiries.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I came here 13 years ago and it is very quiet. It is the first time something like this has happened.

“It is a shock.”

Another resident on the street said: “We got woken up by the noise.

“The house was on fire big time.

“Everybody was looking out of their windows.

“The firefighters said it was dangerous to come outside.”

A spokesman for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: “On entering the property, Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus discovered the body of one female. Our thoughts and sympathy are extended to the family and friends of the deceased at this sad and distressing time.

“A joint fire investigation with Derbyshire Constabulary is currently underway.”