Locked out grandmother found in freezing conditions

Jeanette Wright was found outside her home in Gorebridge in Midlothian

A grandmother is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after she became locked out of her home overnight in sub-zero temperatures.

Jeanette Wright was found "frozen in a ball" by a neighbour in Gorebridge, Midlothian, on Sunday morning.

It is thought that the 60-year-old pharmacy assistant had been on a Christmas night out on Saturday.

An ambulance spokesman said that when they arrived at Jubilee Crescent Ms Wright's heart had stopped beating.

She was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary shortly after she was discovered at 0900 GMT and given CPR during the journey.

Her son John was by her bedside on Monday as she fought to overcome the affects of being exposed to temperatures which forecasters said could have plunged to below -4C.

I don't think they had been able to stretch her out - she must have been frozen like a ball

A neighbour

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "Everyone's really shocked. She works in the chemist down the road and everyone knows her.

"She was found by the girl across the road who is just a teenager and so pretty shaken up after finding her like that.

"I don't think they had been able to stretch her out - she must have been frozen like a ball.

"It's really awful to think I was lying in bed that night right next to where they found her. It really makes you think. I haven't slept since."

Staff at the pharmacy where she works said she was a valued colleague.

Caroline Wells, area manager for Lloyds pharmacy, said: "Our thoughts are with our much loved and valued colleague and their family at this difficult time, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery."