Fire crews said her bungalow was completely destroyed by the fierce blaze and if she had been inside her remains were “unaccounted for”. 

The fire took hold of the property in Looe, Cornwall, just before 8pm. By 11.45pm the bungalow was completely gutted. 

Yesterday emergency services were still trying to find the occupant, who is understood to be in her 60s and lived alone with two dogs. 

Devon and Cornwall Police said: “She may be inside but she may not. We are liaising with fire investigators. 

“There are still inquiries which suggest she may not have been in the house but we’re not sure. 

“Our information says it’s an elderly lady that lives there but we haven’t had that confirmed. 

“We are dealing with a missing person and inquiries are still going on to trace the occupant.” 

Mayor of Looe Armand Toms said: “I know the woman who lives there. 

“Both of her vehicles are still outside. There is a chance she had gone off to see somebody. She has a brother in Polruan. Police are still trying everything to locate her.” 

Mr Toms praised members of the public who tried to gain access to the burning building. 

He said: “That is the kind of community we have – people were willing to risk their lives to help others. 

“I went down there last night when I heard about the fire. The building was well alight. It was very fierce and intense. 

“I have been down today to speak to the firemen and thank them for all that they have done. 

“There were four crews down there last night and most of them will be retained firemen, people who give up their time to help others.” 

Police Inspector John Shuttleworth said: “A suspected gas leak has started the fire. Fire investigators are attending in order to establish the exact cause. A further search of the scene will confirm whether any persons have been tragically trapped.” 

Shocked witnesses described their horror on social media. 

Alex Purcell wrote on Twitter: “Watching heart-wrenching fire in East Looe as house is lost to fire in 20 minutes.” 

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said the first call was made at 7.50pm and firefighters stayed until 3.30am. 

A spokesman said: “We received multiple calls from members of the public. The detached bungalow was completely destroyed by fire.”