Man arrested after woman dies in house fire in Kent

A 51 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman died and a child was injured in a house fire in Kent.

The emergency services were called to the property in Spitfire Road in Kings Hill, West Malling, after the blaze broke out at 9pm on Saturday.

A woman aged in her 60s was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

The child was treated for a leg injury and smoke inhalation.

Kent Police said in a statement a 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is now in custody.

The force has also referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because of prior police contact with the suspect.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said four engines were sent to the scene.

“Firefighters rescued one person and other occupants were outside upon arrival,” said a spokesperson.

Investigators are now attempting to identify the cause of the fire.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101.