The family of a woman who died in a house fire in Oldham over the weekend have paid tribute to the mother of three.

On Saturday (June 24), emergency services were called to Saint Thomas Street North in the Werneth area of Oldham to reports of a house fire.

Neighbours were evacuated while firefighters battled the blaze for hours.

It was then confirmed a 42-year-old woman had died, despite the best efforts of first responders on the scene.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

Her 15-year-old daughter was taken to hospital from the incident and remains in critical condition.

Residents were left reeling from the incident, with neighbours identifying the woman locally as Sadia and describing her as a "happy soul".

Now, the woman's family have confirmed Sadia Shafiq died in the fire and have issued a tribute to the "kind and caring" mother.

They said: “We as a family have been devastated by the loss of Sadia and our hearts are broken.

“She was a beloved mother and sister and a friend to many.

"She was caring and the light of all our lives and will be deeply missed by all.

“We will never come to terms with our loss but we thank the local community who have come together and supported us during this difficult time.”

Sadia’s family have asked for privacy whilst they grieve.

Tributes can also be posted in our book of condolence.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.