Police confirm four-year-old among dead following Rushton house fire
A 54-year-old man has been arrested by police on suspicion of murder
Last updated 30th Mar 2025
Police in Northamptonshire have confirmed that a four-year-old girl is among those killed in a fatal house fire near Kettering.
Officers released a statement on Sunday (March 30th) as investigations into the fire were ramped up.
Northamptonshire Police said that a murder investigation was now underway following the house fire on Friday night (March 28th).
Police were called to a house on Beswick Close just off Station Road in Rushton at around 10:30pm.
Emergency services including Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene to put out the fire.
However, despite the best efforts from medical professionals attending the fire, three people were pronounced dead at the scene.
The force added that as well as the four-year-old, a 23-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were also killed in the blaze.
A fourth victim was also taken to hospital, as well as three police officers due to smoke inhalation, but have since been released.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have been at the scene of the fire since Friday helping to damp down the fire, using engines from across the county.
Speaking at the declaration of the murder investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow from Northamptonshire Police said that those responsible will be brought to justice.
"This is a heartbreaking situation and my thoughts, and those of everyone involved in responding to this fire, are with the people who died and those who love them," they said.
“An incredibly thorough and complex investigation is underway with our partners in Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service to make sure we get the answers that loved ones need and deserve.
“Due to the intensity of the fire we are managing a very challenging and dangerous scene, and are working with partners to safely and respectfully recover the deceased to enable formal identification to take place.
“Our dedicated team of family liaison officers are keeping next of kin updated. On their behalf, we would ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.
“We know this incident has also caused significant distress within the Rushton community and I’d like to thank everyone for their assistance and patience while we continue our painstaking work.
“If you have any information which could assist our enquiries and have yet to speak to us, please get in touch as soon as you can.”
The force added that 54-year-old man has already been arrested on suspicion of murder, and is in police custody.
They added that anyone who may have any extra information should get in touch with the force as soon as possible, by calling 101 and quoting incident reference number 25000180391.
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