A MURDER investigation has been launched in Christchurch after an elderly woman died in a house fire. 

A woman in her 80s was found dead at a house in Kings Avenue, Christchurch this morning after police were called to a fire at the property.

Emergency services rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze, with the woman inside being found unresponsive. 

Her family has been made aware.

A man in his 60s, who was known to the woman, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Bournemouth Echo: Fire damage Fire damage (Image: Daily Echo)

Police remain outside the house this evening with a cordon put up around the house as investigation work is carried out. 

A spokesman for the force said: "Dorset Police received a report at 10.39am on Wednesday 13 September 2023 relating to a fire at an address in Kings Avenue.

"Officers attended, along with the fire and ambulance services.

"It was reported that a woman, aged in her 80s, had been found unresponsive inside the address and very sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Her family has been informed.

"Officers are continuing to liaise with the fire service and a full investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances of the fire and the woman’s death.

"As part of these enquiries a man aged in his 60s, who was known to the woman, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. 

"Our investigation remains ongoing and a cordon is in place at the address.

"There will continue to be an increased police presence in the vicinity and officers can be approached by anyone with information or concerns."

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We were called to Kings Avenue, Christchurch at 10.11am this morning for a fire on the ground floor of a house.

"Four fire crews attended, from Christchurch (x2), Springbourne and Redhill Park, and six breathing apparatus wearers used two hose reel jets and ventilation fans to ensure the fire was out.

"Our stop was at 10.48am and all crews have now left the scene.

"An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing."

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "A passer-by alerted us to the fire and called the emergency services.

"It's very worrying that the police are here. All the schoolchildren looked at the house on their way home this afternoon.

"The house was fine when they left to go to school this morning. 

"The fact this has happened makes you incredible lucky to have your health and your wealth."

Another man added: "I was on my bike and saw somebody calling the ambulance. 

"I didn't see the fire from outside, it must've all been within."