A woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a four-year-old girl died in a house fire in Manchester.

The girl was pulled from the blaze at the property on Gateshead Close, Rusholme, on Sunday afternoon, Greater Manchester Police said, but she died from her injuries in hospital. A 44-year-old woman, who knew the child, was arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life.

Detective chief inspector Charlotte Whalley said that there is "no wider threat to the community" after the "awful incident".
She added: "These tragic incidents will of course naturally cause concern, but I want to reassure the public that we are fully investigating all circumstances of the fire, and will leave no stone unturned as we carry out this work."

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service's Area Manager Ben Levy said; "Today, crews from Gorton, Moss Side, Salford and Withington Fire Stations attended a fire at a house on Gateshead Close, Manchester.

"I want to pass on the condolences of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to the family and friends of the young girl who tragically lost her life following this incident. Our thoughts are with them during this sad and difficult time.

"We will work closely with Greater Manchester Police to support their investigation into this tragic incident."