A murder investigation is underway after a woman in her 90s died in a house fire early Sunday morning in Hardwicke, Gloucestershire. Emergency services were called to Elmgrove Road West shortly before 4 a.m. after reports of the blaze.
Upon arrival, firefighters and paramedics discovered a woman in her 90s unresponsive inside the property. Despite resuscitation efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin has been notified.
A woman in her 60s, from Gloucester, was arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. She is currently in police custody and is being questioned by investigators.
Gloucestershire Police stated that the two women knew each other and that the incident is believed to be isolated. A cordon remains in place around the property as investigations continue.
A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Police said, "Officers attended the scene along with crews from the fire and ambulance services. The property was searched and a woman in her 90s was found unconscious inside. Emergency services performed CPR but despite their best efforts, the woman was sadly pronounced dead. Her next of kin has been informed."
The police also sought to reassure the public, adding, "Police would like to reassure the public that those involved in the incident are known to each other and this appears to have been an isolated incident."