Girl, 4, dies after suspected arson attack at house
BBC News, Manchester
BBCPolice say a four-year-old girl died after a fire attack in a Manchester home.
The child was seriously injured by firefighters in the city’s Rusholme area around 12:30 GMT.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said she was taken to a hospital and was later pronounced dead.
A 44-year-old woman said police said the child was known and had been arrested since then on suspicion of arson with the intention of life-threatening.
Det Ch Insp Charlotte Whalley said: “This terrible incident has caused the tragic death of a young girl and I want to send condolences to her friends and family.
“A woman has been arrested and I can confirm that she is known to the child.
“There is no broader threat to the community and no one else is currently related to the investigation.”
She said the emergency service “does its best” to save the little girl after Gateshead closed the fire.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly, police said.
Det Ch Insp Whalley added that investigators will “unwavering” when determining what happened.
Police have called on anyone with information to contact them.
Ben Levy, district manager for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Department, said crew members from four stations participated in the scene.
He said they will now work closely with the police to investigate.
He added: “I want to convert the condolences to everyone in the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to the young girl’s family and friends.
“Our ideas are with them during this sad and difficult time.”
