A Bristol woman has died after apparently setting herself alight by accident.

Debra Horton was taken to hospital after she was found with severe burns at her home in Gill Avenue, Fishponds, last Thursday night.

The 50-year-old later died from her injuries at Frenchay and a post-mortem examination has found the cause of death was smoke inhalation and shock.

Police were present at the ground-floor flat occupied by Miss Horton and her partner from Thursday until yesterday morning, as they tried to piece together what happened.

As part of their investigation a man, who the Bristol Evening Post understands was Miss Horton's partner, was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been released on bail.

When the Post visited the street yesterday, the police cordons had been removed but officers confirmed they are still investigating the incident.

Neighbours said they were bemused as to what had happened at the house and wondered why there had been such a lengthy police presence.

A Gill Avenue resident, who did not want to be named, said: "No one knows what's happened. The police have been there for five days, day and night."

Avon and Somerset police spokesman Simon Whitby said: "Police are investigating the death of a woman who was found with severe burns at her home in Gill Avenue, Fishponds. Ambulance crews were called to the house at around 9.30pm on Thursday, August 20.

"The 50-year-old woman was taken to Frenchay Hospital, where she later died. A post-mortem examination has been carried out.

"A 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and released on bail until October 2, 2009."