This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/sussex/7874100.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Fire death residents interviewed Tribute to care home fire victim
(about 3 hours later)
Elderly residents of a nursing home where an 85-year-old woman died in an arson attack, are being interviewed by specially-trained officers. The husband of an 85-year-old woman who was murdered in an arson attack at a nursing home has paid tribute to her.
A murder inquiry is under way after the death of Irene Herring at Ancaster Court in Bexhill. David Herring said his wife, Irene, had a "ready smile" and was a "naturally happy soul".
Det Ch Insp Andy Griffiths said it had been a traumatic experience for residents on Sunday. Mrs Herring died in hospital on Monday after being rescued from a fire in her top-floor room at Ancaster Court, in Bexhill, Sussex, on Sunday.
He said: "This is a delicate process balancing the need for information with their welfare." Sussex Police, who believe somebody entered her room and started the fire, have been interviewing residents.
Irene Herring was rescued from her top-floor room and treated by paramedics but died in hospital on Monday. 'Sorely missed'
Police said the fire in her room, where forensic examinations have been taking place, was deliberate. Det Ch Insp Andy Griffiths said it had been a traumatic experience for them and added that the interviews would be "a delicate process balancing the need for information with their welfare".
The force is working closely with East Sussex County Council's adult social care team and the Commission for Social Care and Inspection, Mr Griffiths said. Mr Griffiths said Sussex Police were working closely with East Sussex County Council's adult social care team and the Commission for Social Care and Inspection.
He added: "It is obvious that someone entered Mrs Herring's room as there is enough evidence to suggest that she did not start the fire herself. In a statement issued through the Sussex force, Mr Herring said his wife, who was known as Rene, would be "sorely missed". In her quiet way she enjoyed life and she lived for family David Herring
He said she was born in Ireland and moved to Plymouth when she was very young.
The couple met when Rene visited her sister in Bexhill in 1948. They were married two years later and had five children.
They retired in 1983 and had "many happy years", he said.
Mrs Herring suffered a stroke in May 2006 and had been cared for in hospitals or nursing homes since then, he added.
His wife was a devout Catholic and received the last rites at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings where she was taken after the fire.
"In her quiet way she enjoyed life and she lived for family," he said.
Det Ch Insp Griffiths said: "It is obvious that someone entered Mrs Herring's room as there is enough evidence to suggest that she did not start the fire herself.
"Forensic investigators will remain at the home for a few more days and we will continue to interview staff, residents and other potential witnesses locally.""Forensic investigators will remain at the home for a few more days and we will continue to interview staff, residents and other potential witnesses locally."