Murder hunt after house fire

Lindsey Scholes: Died in hospital after rescue

Police in South Yorkshire have launched a murder inquiry after a teenage girl died following an arson attack.

Lindsey Scholes, 17, was seriously injured in the fire at a house in Millgate Street, Royston, near Barnsley, early on 8 September.

She later died of brain damage in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Detective Chief Inspector Rob Haworth, who is leading the investigation, said a motive for starting the fire was not clear.

He said: "This was a frightening and sinister incident which led to the tragic loss of a young life."

'Clean living'

He added: "I believe there were up to 10 people who congregated at the address on the previous evening and in the hours before this serious incident.

"I would like those people, who were in their late teens, to contact police."

He said Lindsey was a "clean-living" girl who had been staying at the house overnight with friends.

Forensic experts are carrying out tests to see if a fire accelerant was poured on to the front door.

Police want to contact a group of 10 youths

Miss Scholes, of Queens Way, Royston, was rescued by the fire service who had to smash a window in an upstairs room to reach her.

She suffered 18% burns and also smoke inhalation and died late on Saturday.

A male, 18, and female, 17, who jumped from a first floor window suffered facial injuries.

Two youths were arrested in connection with the incident but after questioning were released without charge.

Police are investigating other incidents - including criminal damage and assault - which took place in the area on the morning of the fire.