Woman arrested after four-year-old girl dies in Manchester house fire

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 12.35pm this afternoon.

They quickly extinguished the fire and rescued a four-year-old girl from the flames, who had suffered serious injuries.

The girl was taken to hospital where she died shortly afterwards. She hasn’t been identified.

A 44-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life.

Greater Manchester Police say there is no wider threat to the community, and that the woman is known to the child.

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.’

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