Teenager charged with murder after death of 89-year-old in house fire

Vera Croghan, 89, died following a blaze at her home on Unthank Road.

Vera Croghan, 89, who died in a house fire on Unthank Road in Norwich (Image: Croghan family)

Four fire crews were initially sent to the scene at around 6.40am on December 11 last year.

Police were also called but, at around 7am, the body of Mrs Croghan was discovered inside the property.

She had lived at the house for almost six decades and was later was described by a friend as a "lovely lady".

An 89-year-old woman died in a house fire on Unthank Road, Norwich (Image: Archant)

Mrs Croghan hailed from Sweden and taught at the University of East Anglia (UEA) for more than 30 years.

In a loving tribute, members of her family said: "Vera was a much-loved mum of four and grandmother of 10.

"She was a well-known and highly respected academic and was the author of the best-selling 'Teach Yourself Swedish' book.

An 89-year-old woman died in a house fire on Unthank Road, Norwich (Image: Archant)

"She dearly loved Norwich and the local area and loved the house that she had lived in continuously for 57 years.

"She loved baking cakes from traditional Swedish recipes, often involving cardamom and cinnamon."

Chanatorn Croghan, of Northside, Norwich, has now been charged with murder, attempted murder and arson.

The 19-year-old has been remanded in custody and is appearing at Norwich Magistrates' Court today (Thursday, May 27).

An 89-year-old woman died in a house fire on Unthank Road, Norwich (Image: Archant)