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Murder arrest after woman dies in West Malling fire

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman died following a house fire.

Police were called following a fire in Spitfire Road, opposite the Kings Hill development at West Malling, at about 9pm on Saturday.

Officers attended the scene with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and two people were taken to hospital.

The scene of last night's fatal fire at Spitfire Road, West Maling
The scene of last night's fatal fire at Spitfire Road, West Maling

One of them, a woman aged in her 60s, was later pronounced dead.

A child was also treated for a leg injury and smoke inhalation.

A 51-year-old man from West Malling has been arrested and remains in police custody.

A police spokesman said: "Due to prior police contact with the man, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."

Firefighters were at the scene for more than two hours and four engines attended the blaze.

Neighbour Dennis Bourne said: "We heard the helicopter and by the time we looked out there was everything here - firefighters, ambulances, police. I'm very shocked. I've lived here for about 25 years and we've never had anything like this.

"Kids play out in the front here and everybody looks out for each other."

Anyone with information about the incident should call 101, quoting reference 17-1809.

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