A murder investigation has been launched following the death of an elderly woman in a house fire.
Police arrested a 51-year-old man on suspicion of murder after the victim, aged in her 60’s, was rushed to hospital and later pronounced dead.
Officers rushed to the Saturday night incident in West Malling, Kent, where four fire engines from Kent Fire and Rescue service were sent to fight the blaze and paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service were on hand.
Firefighters rescued a person from inside the burning building and remained on site for more than two hours.
A child was also taken to hospital and treated for a leg injury and smoke inhalation.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “An investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate is ongoing.
“Due to prior police contact with the man, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
The suspect, also from West Malling, remains in custody and a drone was flown over the Kings Hill area yesterday (Sun) afternoon.
By Laura Sharman
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