Murder arrests over arson death

Mrs Ho suffered severe smoke inhalation

Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder following an arson attack in Harrogate which led to the death of a 93-year-old woman.

Yuen Har Ho was rescued from a burning ground-floor flat in Newby Crescent, Jennyfields, on 1 November. She died in hospital on Saturday night.

Three of the suspects, a 17-year-old male and two boys aged 14, had earlier been arrested and released on bail.

They were re-arrested for murder on Tuesday along with a 17-year-old male.

North Yorkshire Police said that youth was from Leeds but had links to the Jennyfields area.

'Fight for life'

Police said the fire was started deliberately in an outside bin.

Mrs Ho, who had suffered severe smoke inhalation, died in Harrogate District General Hospital.

Her son David and daughter Wai Hung Burrage, who both live in Harrogate, earlier spoke of their upset.

The family said: "The weeks since our mother was discovered trapped inside her flat have been traumatic and difficult.

"We saw her try and fight for life, but her age and frailty meant she was unable to recover.

Det Insp Heather Pearson said: "The investigation into the arson and now the death of Mrs Ho is very much ongoing.

"I strongly urge further potential witnesses in the Jennyfields community or anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward without delay."