A 79-YEAR-OLD woman is still fighting for her life after suffering critical injuries in a fire which killed her husband.

The Poole woman, believed to be a mother-of-two, is in Poole Hospital's intensive care unit after the fatal blaze at her bungalow in Cynthia Road, Newtown.

Her husband, aged 83, died half-an-hour after the couple were rushed to hospital suffering from burns and the effects of smoke inhalation just after 10.30am on Saturday.

Police have not released formal identification because it is not known if their families are aware of the tragedy. They are thought to have two daughters in the London area.

Inquiries are continuing as to the cause of the blaze, which started in the couple's bedroom. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

The woman's condition was described by police as critical and a spokeswoman for Poole Hospital said last night: "Her condition is unchanged."

The death of her husband brings the total number of fire-related deaths in Dorset to seven since the New Year.

Dorset Fire and Rescue has urged home owners to carry out home safety checks and details are available by calling them on 01305-251133 or go to fire.gov.uk