Fire kills brother of Moors Murder victim

Firefighters were injured trying to rescue the occupants

The brother of Moors Murders victim Lesley Ann Downey died in a house fire in Manchester on New Year's Eve, along with his seven-year-old daughter.

Tommy West, 45, of Fallowfield, Greater Manchester, was house-sitting for his stepfather, Alan West, who was in hospital for a hip operation.

The fire at the house on Princess Road, Moss Side, at 0500 GMT on 31 December, killed Mr West and his daughter, Kimberley.

A 40-year-old woman and nine-year-old boy, thought to be Mr West's wife Lesley and son Stuart, were also injured and taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary before being released.

A 40-year-old woman from Ladybarn, arrested on the afternoon of the fire, was being questioned at Greenhayes police station on Tuesday.

Neighbour Albert Snaithe, who lives opposite Mr West, said at first a few flames were visible around a downstairs window.

The 76-year-old retired machine worker said: "As we looked out, the whole place just erupted.

"It was the worst fire I've seen since the blitz. It was like something from a television show - just awful."

Scientists continued their investigation as police, fire and forensics carried out a joint inquiry.