Riddle as woman’s body is found in empty blaze house
Mother of three was half-a-mile from her home
DETECTIVES were last night investigating the death of a mother-ofthree found in a blazing house half a mile from her home.
Firefighters discovered Jane Reilly’s body as they battled the flames at 7am on Saturday.
Mrs Reilly, 53, did not live at the large semidetached house in Dunipace, Stirlingshire, which had been empty for three days after the property next door was seriously damaged in an unrelated fire.
Police are working alongside the fire service to establish the cause of the second blaze and find out why she was in the property.
The two-storey house is owned by Michael and Marion McGlynn, a chemistry teacher and a retired nurse, and is some distance from Mrs Reilly’s flat in Denny, Stirlingshire. Last night friends and neighbours told of their shock after hearing of her death and could offer no explanation as to why she had been there.
A close friend, who asked not to be named, said: ‘I’ve known Jane for years and it’s just heartbreaking.
‘We don’t know much yet. I can’t think why she’d be down there at that time on a Saturday.
‘As far as I know she didn’t know the people who lived there, that’s why it’s all so confusing.
‘It’s not just that’s she’s dead, but why was she there, and what happened?
‘Police have been round to her neighbours and family, and they were out searching around the street too. Her life wasn’t perfect. She had issues but she was a lovely person and would help anyone.’
Another friend, Margaretann Wilson said: ‘She was a kindhearted woman but she had her problems. I’m so shocked. Jane had mobility problems so I just can’t see why she would be all the way down in Dunipace.’
Mrs Reilly has three children, Graham Walker, 36, Liam Reilly, 18, and Caitlin Reilly, 16.
Writing on Facebook, her niece, Alanah Donnelly, said: ‘RIP Jane Reilly. Can’t believe it. So sad. Fly high Jane, God always takes the best.’
Firefighters who discovered her body were called to the house just before 7am.
A post mortem examination was being carried out yesterday to determine the cause of death. DNA tests were also being conducted as part of the investigation.
The house remained cordoned off by police yesterday as forensic officers searched for clues. Large wooden boards were placed over the front windows.
The neighbouring house, damaged in a fire on Wednesday, was also taped off. The initial fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault and is not being treated as suspicious.
Last night a neighbour of Mr and Mrs McGlynn said: ‘ Police have questioned everyone asking if we know the lady who has died but no one seems to.
‘It’s a shame, but it’s puzzling. I know the house was empty because they [the McGlynns] had to leave after the first fire.
‘I’m sure they’re in shock. I haven’t heard from them.’
Police Scotland said: ‘The body of a woman was discovered following a fatal house fire.’
‘A joint investigation between the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland is being carried out.’
‘What was she doing there?’