Fire that killed a mother had no 'third party involvement', police say

by · Mail Online

Police say there is 'no suggestion of third party involvement' in the death of a mother-of-four killed in a fire at her £1.2million home.

Kate Mulcahy, 37, died when a blaze broke out at the family home on Ramsden Farm, Middleton, in the early hours of Sunday, November 10. 

A joint police and fire service investigation was launched in the wake of the tragic death.

But at the opening of an inquest on Wednesday morning, police coroners officer Tracey Bunn, said that investigation had now concluded and there was 'no suggestion of any third party involvement'.

Mrs Bunn said: 'Kate Mulcahy resided at home with her husband and four children. In the early hours of November 10 a fire was reported at her home address.

'Emergency services attended and put the fire out. On conducting a search of the property they discovered the body of Kate Mulcahy inside.'

Mrs Bunn added post-mortem results were 'pending'. 

The hearing at Rochdale coroners' court was also told Ms Mulcahy was born in Manchester, worked as a project manager and was married to John Mulcahy, a bricklayer.

Kate Mulcahy, 37, was found dead after a blaze broke out at a £1.2m home at Ramsden Farm, a cluster of upmarket homes off Roundthorn Road in Middleton in the early hours of Sunday November 10
It's understood that the devoted mother had two twin boys - born last year - and two girls. Here Ms Mulcahy is pictured with two of her children
Pictured: Forensic teams attend the scene of a house fire, on Ramsden Farm. Flowers and tributes have been laid out on the lawn

Coroner Catherine McKenna set a review date of August 25 next year, but didn't set a date for the inquest.

Following Ms Mulcahy's death, her friends and family paid heartfelt tributes to her. 

Her heartbroken sister Emma Cropper described her as the 'best mum, sister and auntie' and said 'her kindness, laughter and warmth touched so many lives'.

Ms Cropper said her sister was an 'outstanding mum' and will be 'missed deeply'. 

Ms Mulcahy's devastated father Peter Cropper also spoke out following the fatal fire.

Speaking from his home in New Moston, he said: 'It's a tragic accident. That is all I want to say at this time. I don't want to comment further.'

Facebook was flooded with tributes from friends. Daniel Towsey posted: 'Heartbreaking news, RIP Kate.'

Farrah Terris wrote: 'Absolutely heartbroken my lifelong friend. You was the best matey. Love you forever xx.'

Johanna Black posted: 'Cruel world. RIP Kate. Will always remember the laughs.'

Ania Kaczmarek said: 'Beautiful Kate. Always in our hearts.'

Charley Rose said: 'Heartbreaking! I can't stop thinking about you Kate! You were one of the nicest souls I've ever met! Beautiful inside and out. I'm so sorry this happened to you!'

Following Ms Mulcahy's death, her friends and family paid heartfelt tributes to her. Her heartbroken sister Emma Cropper described her as the 'best mum, sister and auntie' and said 'her kindness, laughter and warmth touched so many lives'
A joint police and fire service investigation was launched in the wake of the tragic death. Pictured: Police, forensic teams and members of the Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service attend the scene of the fire

It's understood that the devoted mother had two twin boys - born last year - and two girls who managed to escape the burning mansion. 

The house, neighbours said in early November, was recently put up for sale, with signs appearing outside 'four or five weeks ago'.

An online listing for the property put its value at £1.2m. The listing has now been removed.

Crime scene specialists were seen inside the house following the fatal fire. 

A skylight appeared to have been damaged and roof tiles had been dislodged. Carol Duggan, who lives in nearby Round Thorn Road, said shortly after the tragedy: 'I got up at 5am because I couldn't sleep.

 'It was very bright outside and I went to see what was going on.

'There were fire engines. In the morning I walked down and saw it had been cordoned off.'

A man who lives on the road told the M.E.N: 'I could see the smoke and heard the fire engines. I saw an ambulance. There was quite a bit of smoke.'