Tribute paid to fatal fire victim

Ms Duffy was rescued but died later in hospital

The family of a 38-year-old woman who died following a fire at her home have been paying tribute to her.

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 Ms Duffy upstairs.

Her family said she was "happy, funny and fun loving" person who will be "sadly missed."

A man in his 30s suffered 20% burns and was seriously injured when he jumped from a window to escape.

Det Supt Ian Foster, who is leading the inquiry, said: "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."