Murder arrest after woman dies in Christchurch house fire

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman in her 80s died following a fire in a house in Christchurch.

Fire crews were called to the home in Kings Avenue at 10.11am on Wednesday when black smoke was seen coming out of the windows.

The woman was found unresponsive inside the property, police said.

A man in his 60s, who knew the woman, is being questioned.

Dorset Police said it was liaising with the fire service and an investigation has been launched into the circumstances of the fire and the woman’s death.

A cordon remains in place at the home and there will be an increased police presence in the area.

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