Woman freed in Moors brother death fire

Mr West and his daughter died from smoke inhalation

A 40-year-old woman arrested after a fire on New Year's Eve, which killed the brother of Moors Murders victim Lesley Ann Downey, has been relesed on police bail.

The woman from Ladybarn had been questioned at Greenhayes police station on Tuesday.

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

The blaze at the house on Princess Road, Moss Side, Manchester, at 0500 GMT on 31 December, killed Mr West and his seven-year-old daughter, Kimberley.

'Double tragedy'

A post-mortem revealed they had died of smoke inhalation.

Mr West had earlier rescued his son Stuart, nine, who was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary before being released. Two firefighters suffered slight injuries in the fire.

A statement from the West family said: "The whole family is naturally devastated by this double tragedy and would like to thank the emergency services, especially the firefighters and those who were injured at the scene."

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.