Murder probe after Kilmarnock pensioner dies in house fire
Police have launched a murder investigation after an elderly woman died in a house fire in Kilmarnock.
Police have launched a murder investigation after an elderly woman died in a house fire in Kilmarnock.
The blaze broke out at 11.40pm on Saturday in Kilmaurs Road.
A 71-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene while a 41-year-old man was seriously injured and was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital where he is in a stable condition, Police Scotland said.
A 41-year-old woman was also in the property, but did not require medical treatment.
Neighbours attempted to extinguish the fire and were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
A joint investigation by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland has determined that the fire was started deliberately.
She has been formally identified and relatives have been informed. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.
Detective Chief Inspector Allan Burton of Police Scotland said: The outbreak of fire within the house on Kilmaurs Road has resulted in the death of an elderly woman.
Following a joint investigation with our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, we now know that this was a targeted and deliberate act.
Local residents are understandably shocked and I would like to acknowledge the bravery of those neighbours and passing motorists who raised the alarm and attempted to do what they could to extinguish the blaze.
I want to reassure local residents that all is being done to trace the person or persons responsible.''
He appealed for anyone with information to contact police.