Police and fire crews rushed to the scene in Gateshead Close, near Rusholme, this afternoon. The child, who suffered serious injuries, died in hospital a short time later
A four-year-old girl has tragically died in a house fire in Manchester, police have said.
Police officers and fire crews rushed to the scene in Gateshead Close, near Rusholme, Greater Manchester, at 12.35pm today. The child, who suffered serious injuries, sadly died later in hospital, Greater Manchester Police said. A 44-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life in relation to the girl’s death.
GMP said the woman, who is “known to the child”, remained in custody on Sunday afternoon. The force said there is “no wider threat to the community”. In a statement, the police said: “An investigation is ongoing and an arrest has been made after a four year-old girl died following a house fire in Manchester.
“At around 12.35pm today (2 March 2025), emergency services responded to a fire at a property on Gateshead Close, Manchester. Crews were quickly able to extinguish the fire and bring out a four year-old girl, who had suffered serious injuries in the incident. Sadly, despite the best efforts of all those involved, the girl died from her injuries in hospital a short time after.
“A woman, aged 44, has been arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life. She is known to the child and there is no wider threat to the community. A scene remains in place around Gateshead Close as specialist officers continue to investigate the full circumstances.”
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said “numerous” emergency services personnel at the scene “did their utmost” to save the girl, who hasn’t been named, the Manchester Evening News reported. DCI Whalley said: “This awful incident has seen the tragic death of a young girl, and I would like to send my condolences to her friends and family. Numerous emergency services attended the scene and all did their utmost best to save her.
“A woman has been arrested and I can confirm that she is known to the child. There is no wider threat to the community and no one else is currently being sought in connection with the investigation. 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.”
Ben Levy, area manager from Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, said in a statement: “Today (Sunday, 2 March), 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.”
