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Murder probe after woman dies in Manchester house fire

A 33-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder

Eleanor Sly
Tuesday 13 July 2021 06:01 EDT
Investigations are ongoing into a fire which killed a woman in Manchester
Investigations are ongoing into a fire which killed a woman in Manchester (Getty Images)

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman in a house fire in Manchester.

Police arrested a woman, 33, on suspicion of murder following the blaze at an address in Darras Road in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to reports of the fire at 2.30am on Tuesday but were unable to save the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene. She has not yet been identified.

Police and firefighters are investigating the circumstances of the fire and the suspect has been taken into custody for questioning.

Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This is a devastating incident in which a woman has tragically lost her life.

“I would like to reassure the public that this is being treated as an isolated incident and there will be an increased emergency services presence in the area as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death.”

“Although we have arrested an individual, our investigation is still in its early stages and we are continuing to follow a number of lines of enquiry. If you have any information at all which could assist with our enquiries please do not hesitate to contact police as soon as possible.”

A cordon remained at the house as investigations continued on Tuesday.

Police asked anyone with information to share it online, using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk, calling 101 quoting log 228 of 13/07/21, or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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