A woman has been arrested following a fatal house fire in Manchester.
The fire service was called to a home in Gateshead Close at about 12.35 pm on Sunday.
The blaze was quickly extinguished and a four-year-old girl, who had suffered serious injuries, was taken to hospital where she died shortly afterwards. She hasn’t been identified.
A 44-year-old woman, reported to be the girl’s ‘mum’, has been arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life.
A woman who lives on a neighbouring street said she heard sirens and saw smoke, before hearing the door being ‘banged’ in.
‘I don’t know who lives at the house but to know a child has died is awful,’ she told the Mail.
Tributes to the young girl have been left near the scene of the fire, with some mourners leaving yellow daffodils.
There is still a cordon in place around the home in Gateshead Close while officers investigate the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley said: ‘This awful incident has seen the tragic death of a young girl, and I would like to send my condolences to her friends and family.
‘Numerous emergency services attended the scene and all did their utmost best to save her.
‘A woman has been arrested and I can confirm that she is known to the child.
‘There is no wider threat to the community and no one else is currently being sought in connection with the investigation.
‘These tragic incidents will of course naturally cause concern, but I want to reassure the public that we are fully investigating all circumstances of the fire, and will leave no stone unturned as we carry out this work.
‘As this continues, I would ask anyone with any information about today’s events to please get in touch with officers.’
Ben Levy, area manager for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, said: ‘Today, crews from Gorton, Moss Side, Salford and Withington fire stations attended a fire at a house on Gateshead Close, Manchester.
‘I want to pass on the condolences of everyone at FMFRS to the family and friends of the young girl who tragically lost her life following this incident.
‘Our thoughts are with them during this sad and difficult time.
‘We will work closely with Greater Manchester Police to support their investigation into this tragic incident.’
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