AN elderly woman has been found dead after a plastic toilet caught fire inside her home.

Elsie Roe was 99 years old when she was found in bed at her home in Beverley Road, Tilehurst on December 15 last year.

Berkshire Coroner’s Court heard that a plastic commode had been placed near a gas heater and the plastic had melted and caught fire.

READ MORE: Man denies murder of 24-year-old at train station stating there was 'easier target'

Assistant coroner Ian Wade, opening an inquest into Mrs Roe’s death today (March 28) said: “She was discovered deceased when her carer attended her address.

“Coming into the house she immediately realised there had been a fire with soot everywhere. The fire brigade attended and discovered a fire had started as a plastic commode had been standing close to a gas heater and the plastic had melted and set fire.”

Mrs Roe was in bed at the time of the fire and her medical cause of death has been given as carbon monoxide poisoning.

READ MORE: Man on trial for murder of 24-year-old said weapon was 'good luck charm'

No date for a full inquest has been set yet due to a ‘number of issues to be investigated’ as well as waiting for reports from Thames Valley Police and the fire brigade.

Mr Wade added: “She had obviously lived a long life but very sadly she was discovered deceased.”