Firefighters have told the Ann Marie Couldridge murder trial she was already dead when they smashed their way into her Canvey flat.

Fireman Gary Edgecombe told Chelmsford Crown Court he was called to the Hilton Road flat at 7.56am on Sunday, May 13, and had to kick in the door.

He said: "In the first area, household items were alight. I was carrying a thermal imaging camera. It was hot and visibility was zero.

"I was looking into the camera to see if there were any fires or hotspots. I was on my knees, feeling my way around the living room.

"My colleague Jeff Thomas smashed a window and the smoke cleared and I saw a woman on her back.

"Jeff said he was sure she was dead so we searched for other casualties. We found a Staffordshire bull terrier which we took outside."

Inside, an alcove which contained cases and a toolbox was in flames.

There was another seat of fire in the corner of the living room. They extinguished both fires. Mr Thomas said: "As I approached the windows, I tripped over an object on the floor.

"The firefighter in front of me said he had found a body. I checked it for breathing and signs of life but I was convinced there were none. "

The court has heard that after a post-mortem examination, Dr Aidan Irlam confirmed the body was that of a female with burns and burnt clothing.

There was no blistering and no evidence of soot inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ian Jarvis, 37, of Second Avenue, Canvey, denies murdering Ann Marie Couldridge, 28, and setting fire to her flat in Hilton Road, Canvey.The case continues

Follow the case day by day in the Evening Echo

Published Wednesday October 23, 2002

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