The family of Wendy Dyson, 71, have shared their “devastation and heartbreak" following a house fire on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

First responders rushed to a home on Hilltop Road, Avalon Beach, after reports of a fire about 1am last Friday, with crews initially unable to find its elderly female occupant after the blaze was extinguished.

Human remains were discovered on Saturday following an extensive search, a NSW Police spokesman said.

Though the remains had yet to be formally identified, police said they are believed to belong to the woman.

Ms Dyson's family have since expressed their grief, saying they are "devastated and heartbroken" by her death, 9News has reported.

Her family in a statement said Ms Dyson was a former teacher and recently worked part-time providing swimming les

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