Boy quizzed over fire death freed

Andrea Daly died in the bedroom of her house

Police said no further action would be taken against a 16-year-old boy arrested in connection with the death of a woman in a house fire in Essex.

Andrea Daly, 40, was trapped in her bedroom when the fire broke out at the house in Rochford Road, Prittlewell in Essex, on 10 November last year.

Her two sons, aged 17 and 20, were injured escaping from the blaze.

Last December, a teenager was arrested on suspicion of murder, and later released on police bail.

The fire at the house in Prittlewell

Det Supt Keith Garnish: "The response from the local community has been tremendous. They've helped us throughout our investigation and we hope they continue.

"However, I am still unsure why Andrea's house was set on fire.

"She does not appear to be an obvious target. So I'm repeating my appeal for anyone who knows more about last year's arson attack to come forward."

A post-mortem examination revealed the 40-year-old died of smoke inhalation.