Girl, 14, arrested for arson after fatal house fire that killed one

A 14-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a person died in a house fire.

The blaze broke out in a home along Bedale Drive, Leicester, around 4am yesterday.

Inside, one person, who has not been named, was found dead.

Other people at the home were also taken to hospital ‘as a precaution’, the police said.

The girl was arrested in connection with the incident but has since been released on bail.

Enquiries are ongoing and police said detectives are keeping ‘an open mind’ and are working with fire officials to establish the cause of the fire.

Detective Inspector Michael Chandler said: ‘This is an extremely tragic incident in which a person has sadly lost their life.’

‘Our investigation is at a very early stage and we are keeping an open mind as to what caused the fire.

‘A dedicated team is carrying out enquiries and we are working closely with the fire service to fully establish what has happened and how it has happened.

‘Specially trained officers are also continuing to provide full support to the family of the deceased.

‘I understand this incident will have caused distress and concern in the community and officers remain in the area to offer support and reassurance. They are there for you so please do speak with them.’

Chandler said police are speaking with the victim’s family and locals in the area and asked anyone with information to contact police.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.