An elderly woman who died in a fire at her home has been named by police.

Mona Stephenson, 89, was rescued from her home by neighbours after the blaze was discovered at around 7.30pm on Monday.

She was later pronounced dead at the scene in St Johns Close in Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are carrying out a joint investigation into the cause of the blaze.

The police force appealed for information about the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Burton of the major investigation team said: "We are currently carrying out inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have had recent contact with the victim Mona Stephenson in the past few days, or indeed were in the area of St Johns Place in the early evening of Monday to get in touch with us through 101 if they can help."

The procurator fiscal has been informed of the death and a post-mortem examination is being arranged.