An elderly woman who survived a terrifying ordeal at the hands of burglars last year has died in a fire at her home.

Firefighters were unable to save Sylvia Morgan, 82, of Larkshall Crescent, Highams Park, when they were called to the blaze on Wednesday night last week.

Flames quickly ripped through the two-storey terrace house damaging both floors and destroying the roof.

Mrs Morgan was pronounced dead at the scene after being found in a room on the ground floor. Her injuries were so severe that a DNA sample had to be taken to identify her.

Efforts to investigate the cause of the fire have been hampered by the fragility of the structure, but police say initial reports suggest there are no suspicious circumstances.

Twenty firefighters from Chingford, Woodford, Walthamstow and Edmonton arrived just after midnight. The blaze was so intense the house was still being dampened down on Friday.

It is understood Mrs Morgan lost her mobility as a result of injuries sustained when she was tied up by two intruders on January 25 last year.

The burglars, who left empty-handed, were linked with other similar crimes throughout north-east London and police say inquiries are continuing.

Mrs Morgan no longer ventured upstairs after the attack, which, according to friends, left her with painful ulcers on her legs.

She had lived alone since the death of her husband two years ago and was known to hoard rubbish in and around her home.

Her sister, who lives in the same street, was unwell in hospital at the time of the tragedy.

Shocked friends and neighbours have paid tribute to the popular character, who had lived at the house for most of her life.

A friend said: "She was the street eccentric, an individual who was remarkable in many ways. She was a lovely lady and a very positive person.

"I am convinced what happened to her last year caused her downfall. Before the burglary she was quite robust and healthy, but she was not as mobile afterwards.

"I am devastated by what has happened to her. We are a close-knit community here and we look after one another. It is a terrible shame. We are going to miss her."