Girl, 4, dies and woman arrested after house fire in Manchester

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a four-year-old girl died in a house fire in Manchester.

The girl was pulled from the blaze at the property on Gateshead Close, Rusholme, on Sunday afternoon, Greater Manchester Police said.

But she died from her injuries in hospital.

A 44-year-old woman, who knew the child, was arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life.

Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, of Greater Manchester Police, 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.”

Ben Levy, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service area manager, said firefighters would work closely with police to investigate the death.

He said: “I want to pass on the condolences of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service 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."