Murder arrest after four die in house fire

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman and three children died following a house fire in Bradford.

West Yorkshire Police were called by the fire service to reports of a blaze on Westbury Road just after 02:00 BST on Wednesday.

A 29-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while two girls aged one and nine, and a five-year-old boy, died after they were taken to hospital.

A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and had been taken to hospital with critical injuries, police said.

Det Ch Insp Stacey Atkinson, from West Yorkshire Police, said: “This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives.

“Our thoughts remain with their family, friends and loved ones.

“Early inquiries show the fire was started deliberately, and we have arrested one man on suspicion of murder.

“He is seriously ill in hospital today as a result of injuries caused by the fire.”

Det Ch Insp Atkinson added that while inquiries were at an early stage, “we do at this time believe the incident is domestic related”.

She appealed for anyone with information or footage which could be of use to the investigation to get in touch with West Yorkshire Police.

“Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and we are working with local neighborhood officers to carry out inquiries and provide reassurance in the area,” she said.