‘Murder’ arrest after man dies in house blaze
AMAN who died in a fatal house fire has been named, as police released a woman arrested on suspicion of murder.
Officers were called by firefighters at 9pm on Tuesday (September 22) as a huge blaze took hold of the home on Windermere Road, Heaviley.
The body of a man, since named locally as Darrell Spear, was found inside. A woman aged 64 was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed pending further enquiries, a GMP spokesman said.
AMAN who died in a fatal house fire has been named as police released a woman arrested on suspicion of murder.
Officers were called by firefighters at 9pm on Tuesday evening (Sep 22) as a huge blaze took hold of the home on Windermere Road, Heaviley.
The body of a man, since named locally as Darrell Spear, was found inside.
Stockport Coroner’s Court confirmed a file has been passed to the coroner following the death of Darrell Spear.
A woman aged 64 was arrested on suspicion of murder following his death.
She has been bailed pending further enquiries, a GMP spokesman said.
A neighbour said she was in at the time of the fatal blaze. She said: “It’s terrible. He has been here 34 years.”
Another resident, Andrew Jarvis, said he was first to arrive at the property when the fire broke out.
The 31-year-old ran from his house after spotting the flames from across the street.
He said: “I threw on a pair of pants, managed to get a t-shirt on back to front and grabbed a weighted candle thinking I could use it to smash a window.
“There was no way I could go in that house.
“It was an inferno, the flames were bursting out. Everyone was stood outside.”
Simon Rogers, 45, said: “The kids saw the fire break out and the fire engines arrive.
“There were people everywhere. The whole road was blocked off.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said the incident left her ‘shaking’.
She said: “I just saw the flames, it looked like they were coming out of the roof.
“I was shaking. Four fire engines were there and my husband ran over.”
Several homes on the street remained taped off on Thursday.
A home within the cordon was charred with black smoke.
Windows at the property were smashed.
Det Chief Insp Gina Brennand of GMP’s Stockport District said: “Very sadly, we can confirm that the fire has led to the death of a man.
“Specialist officers are supporting the man’s family at this distressing time and our thoughts remain with them.
“Were you in the area at the time or have any details that can assist our enquiries? If so, please get in touch.”
People are asked to contact police on 0161 856 8692 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.