Lancashire care home blaze becomes a murder hunt

by Mark Sumner. Published Thu 21 Oct 2010 16:13, Last updated: 2010-10-22

A 96-year-old woman who was in a critical condition after a blaze at a care home in Lancashire has died, police have said.

Edith Stuart was left fighting for her life following the fire at Cleveleys Park rest home in Cleveleys on Monday.

A 27-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl who were initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder are now being questioned on suspicion of murder.

Four residents and two employees were taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital after the fire broke out at 6pm.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: ``The 96-year-old woman injured in the Cleveleys nursing home fire sadly passed away at 11.30pm last night.

``We have now been informed that her family are aware and she can be named as Edith Stuart.

``The two people arrested are being questioned on suspicion of murder.''

On Tuesday, Detective Superintendent Neil Esseen, who is leading the investigation, said an examination of the scene in Stockdove Way had revealed the fire was deliberately ignited.