A MAN who was arrested on suspicion of murder after a fatal house fire has been released without charge. 

A woman in her 80s was found dead at a house in Kings Avenue, Christchurch, on September 13, 2023 after police were called to a fire at the property.  

Dorset Police has been investigating the incident since and arrested a man in his 60s as part of officers’ enquiries. 

He will face no further action. 

A spokesman for the force said: “Following a detailed investigation, officers are satisfied that there was no third-party involvement in the death. 

“The man who was arrested will face no further police action in relation to the death and officers will continue to carry out enquiries on behalf of the coroner. 

“The family of the woman who sadly died have been kept informed throughout the investigation and have been updated with this latest development. Our thoughts remain with them.” 

The home was left blackened inside and shocked residents at the time. 

One person said: "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."