Horror house fire investigation update following death of beloved mum-of-four

Specialist officers are continuing to investigate after a mum-of-four was killed in a devastating house fire in Middleton.

The blaze ripped through the upstairs of a home on Ramsden Farm, off Roundthorn Road, in the early hours of Sunday morning (November 10). Mum-of-four Kate Mulcahy, 37, was sadly found dead inside the house after emergency crews arrived on the scene.

The Manchester Evening News understands a number of children escaped the fire. A joint probe between Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) was launched.

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Forensic officers have been pictured scouring the home for evidence this week, with a cordon in place on the street as work was carried out on the scene. In an update issued today (November 14), both GMP and GMFRS confirmed that the investigation remains underway.

Specialist police officers are working on the investigation. No further details on any developments within the probe have been released at this stage.

A GMP spokesperson said: "The investigation is still ongoing involving specialist officers. Enquiries are still ongoing with GMFRS."

GMFRS area manager Lee Coleman said: "At around 4.20am on Sunday 10 November, five fire engines from Middleton, Chadderton, Blackley, Phillips Park and Manchester Central fire stations attended a house fire on Roundthorn Road, Middleton, after reports that the upstairs was well alight.

"Crews wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used hose reel jets and a ladder to extinguish the fire. Sadly, a woman was found deceased inside the house.

"Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. Firefighters and officers have remained on the scene and have been carrying out a joint fire investigation with Greater Manchester Police. The investigation remains ongoing.”

In the wake of Ms Mulcahy's tragic death, her heartbroken sister Emma Cropper paid a heartfelt tribute to her. Ms Cropper described Ms Mulcahy 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 tragic incident.

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."

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