THE DEATH of a mother-of-three believed to have set herself on fire has sent shockwaves through a quiet residential street in Melksham.

Ranjit Kaur Dhariwal, of Larch Close, suffered 77 per cent burns after apparently setting herself on fire in the kitchen of her family home in Larch Close, on Friday

Mrs Dhariwal was found alive, but in a critical condition, and rushed to the Royal United Hospital, Bath with severe burns.

She was later transferred to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol for specialist treatment but died from her injuries.

One shocked neighbour said: "We just have not known what to do or to say. It's such a shock for this quiet area.

"We have been here for years and they have been here longer than us.

"They are a great family as far as I can tell and have been perfect neighbours.

"She has obviously had a few problems."

Mrs Dhariwal, who has a daughter and two sons one only six years old, lived at the house with her husband Galbinder.

The Wiltshire Times spoke to Mr Dhariwal this week. He was too upset to talk about his wife's death, but said: "We are praying for her at the moment."

It is believed Mrs Dhariwal had been suffering from bouts of depression, having spent time at Green Lane Hospital, Devizes.

The neighbour said the family would be left devastated by the tragedy, particularly because of the impact on the couple's children.

"They have always been fine. They have never caused any problems and it's an absolute tragedy, especially for the little boy," the neighbour said. "It's going to affect him for the rest of his life."

Fire crews were alerted to the incident after receiving a call at 11.53am from an ambulance crew already at the house.

Another call was made by a neighbour who was concerned by the smoke alarms and called emergency services.

Neighbours were unaware of the tragedy until fire crews, police, CID officers and a scientific support unit arrived outside the house.

Police forensic officers were seen focusing on an area in the garage.

The neighbour said: "When I see the husband I shall speak to him and offer any help I can."

An inquest into Mrs Dhariwal's death was opened and adjourned at South Gloucester Coroners' Court on Monday.