Man arrested in murder probe of woman found dead after Co Armagh house fire

A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a woman who was found dead following a house fire in Portadown, Co Armagh.

The PSNI said the man was arrested on Tuesday evening on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody for questioning.

The woman who died was a 37-year-old foreign national.

A 12-year-old girl was taken to hospital for treatment following the incident on Church Street. She was said to be in a stable condition on Tuesday afternoon.

A number of homes were evacuated following the blaze early on Tuesday. Police were called to the scene at about 2.15am, Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Wilson said.

“Our investigation continues and I am appealing to anyone with information, or who witnessed anything untoward, to please get in touch,” she said, adding that anyone with relevant dashcam footage should contact the force.

Sinn Féin councillor Paul Duffy expressed his deepest sympathies and that of the community to the family and friends of the deceased woman. He has urged anyone with information to speak to police.

“Once again, another woman meets a violent death, this murder adds to a long and depressing list of such attacks against women,” he said. “As a society we must all collectively do more to end violence against women.” - PA