A Midlands home at the centre of a murder investigation is being guarded by police following the death of a 40-year-old woman. Her body was found following a house fire on Thursday afternoon (February 9).
Emergency services were called to the blaze in Campbell Road, Stoke-on-Trent, at around 3pm. Sadly, nothing could be done to save the woman, whose death has sparked a ‘complex investigation’ to find out what happened and who was responsible.
The street was sealed off in the aftermath of the incident and the cordon was still in place this morning, StokeonTrentLive reports.
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One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We only knew about it when there was a disturbance and the police came. It’s shocking.” Another added: “The police have been knocking on doors and have been round twice.”
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are likely to be at the scene for several days while they carry out investigations. Staffordshire Police said the woman’s devastated family were being supported by specially-trained officers.
Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison, from the force’s major and organised crime team, said: “This is a tragic case and we are working hard to understand more about what happened and who was responsible.
“We are keeping an open mind and would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances at this stage as it is distressing for family and friends, and could hinder our enquiries. This is a complex investigation and we continue to work closely with fire and rescue colleagues. I would encourage anyone who has any information, and not yet spoken to us, to do so as soon as they can.
“I understand the concern felt by those close to the house as well as further afield, and thank everyone for their patience around the cordon.”
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