Reward offer over arson killing

Julie Duffy was trapped upstairs

Police are offering a £20,000 reward for information which leads to the conviction of the killer of a woman who died in an arson attack on her home.

Julie Duffy, 38, was rescued from the blaze at her home in Brinnington, Stockport, but died later.

A fire had been started deliberately in the hallway in the early hours of the morning, trapping Ms Duffy upstairs.

Greater Manchester Police urged people to come forward with "the final piece of the jigsaw".

Ms Duffy's partner suffered burns and was seriously injured when he jumped from a window to escape the fire at Essex Road on 28 September.

If your conscience doesn't prompt you to break your silence, perhaps the reward will Matt Davies Julie Duffy's brother

Matt Davies, Ms Duffy's brother, said her death was "a complete shock".

"We are now in limbo, with no idea as to who is responsible or why they set fire to her house," he said.

"If someone feels some misplaced loyalty towards her killer or killers I'd ask them to think of our family. We can't move on with our lives until we know the truth.

"If your conscience doesn't prompt you to break your silence perhaps the reward will."

Officers believe the fire was started between 0300 GMT and 0320 GMT.

Det Sup Ian Foster, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "You cannot put a price on a life but we are offering a £20,000 reward for anyone who can provide us with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this cold, callous attack on the home of a young woman."