EastEnders star Anna Karen died in house fire 'started by cigarette', neighbours believe
ok.co.ukAnna Karen's neighbours believe the soap star died in a house fire that was started by a lit cigarette.The EastEnders star, who was known for playing Aunt Sal – sister of Peggy Mitchell – on the soap, died at the age of 85 in a fire at a home on Windsor Road, Ilford, as firefighters were called to scene at 10:30pm on Tuesday 22 February.
While a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said at the time that the "cause of the fire is under investigation", Anna's neighbours believe it could've been caused by a cigarette. "She was apparently in bed at the time of the fire.
It’s thought she fell asleep with a cigarette," a source told The Sun. Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter Meanwhile, Anna's agent Shane Collins told the same publication: "We don’t know if it was an electrical fault or whether it was because she was smoking." Three fire engines and roughly 20 firefighters from Ilford and Barking fire stations rushed to the scene and managed to get the blaze under control in less than an hour.
A family friend said to the Mail Online: "We are absolutely horrified at the news about Anna." EastEnders has paid tribute to the actress as a spokesperson for the soap shared everyone has been “deeply saddened” by the news of her death. “We are deeply saddened to hear that Anna Karen has passed away,” the statement read. “Anna created a sharp, quick witted and extremely popular character in Aunt Sal that the audience will never forget. "Just as those who worked with her at EastEnders will never forget her warmth, kindness fun and good humour.
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