A woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a four-year-old girl died in a house fire this afternoon.
Police and fire crews were called to the terraced property, in Gateshead Close, Manchester, at around 12.35pm today.
They quickly extinguished the blaze and the girl, who had suffered serious injuries, was taken to hospital by paramedics.
But tragically she could not be saved and died of her injuries a short time later.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said a 44-year-old woman who was known to the child was arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life.
‘There is no wider threat to the community,’ the spokesman said.
Evidence of smoke damage could be seen on upstairs windows of the red-brick house today.
A police cordon remains in place and specialist officers were also on the scene conducting house-to-house inquiries.
Ben Levy, area manager for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said crews from four stations attended the blaze.
‘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,’ he said.
‘Our thoughts are with them during this sad and difficult time.’
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team, said her officers would leave ‘no stone unturned’ as they investigate the circumstances of the blaze.
‘This awful incident has seen the tragic death of a young girl,’ DCI Whalley said. ‘I would like to send my condolences to her friends and family. Numerous emergency services attended the scene and all did their utmost to save her.
‘A woman has been arrested and 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.’
The senior officer also appealed for anyone with information to get in touch via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.