Community appeal after fire death

Detectives investigating the murder of a 38-year-old woman in a house fire are appealing for help from the community.

Julie Duffy was rescued from the blaze at her home in Essex Road, Brinnington, Stockport, on Thursday but died later in Stepping Hill Hospital.

Investigators said the fire had been started deliberately in the hall, trapping the victim upstairs.

A man who suffered 20% burns was seriously injured jumping from a window to escape.

Greater Manchester Police said two police officers were first at the scene of the fire at 0320 BST.

They attempted to get into the house to rescue Ms Duffy but were beaten back by the flames.

Det Supt Ian Foster, leading the inquiry, said: "This is a tragic incident that has left one person dead and another seriously injured.

"We are appealing to the local community in Brinnington to think back to Thursday morning and try to remember if they saw anyone acting suspiciously in the local area around the time of the fire.

"It may be that someone remembers hearing a neighbour returning at an unusual time. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be key to the investigation."