Woman unaccounted for after major fire at house in Inverness
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Police in Inverness have confirmed a woman is unaccounted for following a serious house fire in the city.
Emergency services were called to the fire at a property on Island Bank Road at 1.55am on Friday, September 15.
The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
A 71-year-old woman who lived at the house is currently unaccounted for.
However, initial enquiries suggest that she was within the property at the time of the fire.
Her next of kin are aware and efforts are ongoing to confirm the circumstances.
No one else suffered serious injury in the blaze at the house, which is served by a driveway sign-posted Willow Cottage.
Detective Inspector Steven Mackenzie said: "Our enquiries are at a very early stage. However, our initial enquiries suggest that an occupant was within the property that the time of the fire.
"Due to the extensive structural damage, gaining entry to the building is likely to take some time. Structural engineers will assess the building and advise when it will be safe to enter.
"Enquiries are continuing with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the full circumstances. I would like to thank local residents for their co-operation while these enquiries are ongoing.
