A murder investigation has been launched after a woman sadly died in a house fire in Manchester

Shortly before 2.30am this morning (Tuesday 13 July 2021), police were called by the fire service to reports of a fire at an address on Darras Road in Manchester.

Emergency services attended and a woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification is yet to take place.

A woman - aged 33 - has been arrested on suspicion of murder. She has been taken to custody for questioning.

Police alongside fire investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this death and a scene remains in place whilst enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell, of GMP, 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. If you have any questions please do feel free to approach one of our officers for information.

"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."

Anyone with information should contact police by reporting online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, call 101 quoting log 228 of 13/07/21 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.