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

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A four-year-old girl has died and a woman has been arrested following a house fire in Manchester.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at a property in the Rusholme area of the city at around 12.35pm today.

Crews rescued the girl but she later died in hospital from her injuries.

The woman, aged 44, has been arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life.

A smashed, blackened window could be seen on the top floor of the semi-detached home.

Churchgoers from the nearby Celestial Church of Christ helped the family of the girl who neighbours said loved playing in the quiet cul-de-sac.

One of them, called Samuel, told the Manchester Evening News: "The service just stopped.

"Everybody came out to see how they could be of help to the family. Even the preacher stopped and we began to pray for the family of the deceased. Some were even crying. It’s a child. It’s difficult to lose a loved one, but when it’s a child...

“We are very sorry for what happened.”

Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley said there was “no wider threat to the community” after the “awful incident” in Gateshead Close.

She added: “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.”

Specialist officers at the scene are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of the fire.

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

He added: “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."