Firefighters were still on scene at 11am on Friday morning
A 71-year-old woman is unaccounted for following a serious house fire in Inverness this morning.
Police said that initial inquiries suggest she was inside the property at the time of the fire.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at a bungalow on Island Bank Road at 1.55am.
The woman’s next of kin are aware and efforts are ongoing to confirm the circumstances. No one else suffered serious injury.
Detective Inspector Steven Mackenzie said: “Our inquiries are at a very early stage. However, our initial inquiries 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.
“Inquiries 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 inquiries are ongoing.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.”
Firefighters have extinguished the fire but remained on scene for at least nine hours.
Woman unaccounted for following serious house fire in Inverness
