An 18-year-old woman who died in a house fire in Worcester has been named locally as former Ellesmere College student Tazmin Pugh.

She was found inside a house with a 21-year-old man on the A44 between Cotheridge and Broadwas, near Worcester, but could not be saved despite 30 firefighters and officers being sent to fight the fire.

Paramedics from a passing ambulance initially spotted the fire and stopped to help while firefighters and police officers rushed to the house at around 8pm on Sunday evening.

A spokesperson from West Mercia Police said: "Officers attended to assist with closing the road to enable firefighters to deal with the incident.

"Sadly, a 21-year old male and an 18-year old female have been found inside deceased.

"Next of kin have been informed, formal identification has not yet taken place."

The fire service was called out at 7.49pm and sent seven appliances to the home, which is not visible from the main road, but is opposite Hilltop Farm, Cotheridge.

A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "West Midlands Ambulance Service was called shortly after 8pm on Sunday.

"One ambulance, two paramedic officers and the trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics attended the scene alongside the fire service and police.

"A passing ambulance, which came across the fire, was the first vehicle on scene and stopped to render aid until other resources arrived.

"Ambulance crews provided support to the fire service while they worked to put out the fire.

"Once inside the property, fire colleagues discovered two people inside.

"Sadly, nothing could be done to save the two occupants and they were confirmed dead on scene.”