Dad speaks following death of mum-of-four in house fire

The dad of a 37-year-old woman killed in a tragic house fire in Middleton has described her death as a 'tragic accident'.

Mum-of-four Kate Mulcahy was sadly found dead inside the home on Ramsden Farm, off Roundthorn Road, after a blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning (November 10). The Manchester Evening News understands a number of children escaped, but Ms Mulcahy could not be saved.

Following her 'horrendous' death, shocked neighbours living in the cluster of upmarket homes paid tribute to Ms Mulcahy. Her devastated father Peter Cropper has now also spoken out in the wake of the devastating incident.

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Speaking from his home in New Moston, he told Mail Online: "It's a tragic accident. That is all I want to say at this time. I don't want to comment further."

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but Ms Mulcahy's family is being supported by specially-trained officers. The house, neighbours said, was recently put up for sale, with signs appearing outside 'four or five weeks ago'.

An online listing for the house put its value at £1.2m. The listing has now been removed. Yesterday, forensics remained on the scene combing the house for evidence.

Flowers and tributes for Ms Mulcahy had been placed on the front lawn in front of the home. A skylight at the house appeared to have been damaged and roof tiles had been dislodged.

Carol Duggan, who lives in nearby Round Thorn Road, said: "I got up at 5am because I couldn't sleep. It was very bright outside and I went to see what was going on.

"There were fire engines. In the morning I walked down and saw it had been cordoned off. She seemed a nice person, very chatty. I was totally shocked when I found out it was her.

"I only spoke to her a couple of weeks ago when she was walking home with the children. She was very friendly.

"I would be walking with the dog and she would be walking with the children. I spoke to her every time I saw her. It's terrible."

A joint investigation into the fire is underway between Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS). As of Tuesday lunchtime, no arrests had been made, the force said.

On Monday, ward councillor Dylan Williams posted on Facebook: "Heartbreaking news from Ramsden Farm off Round Thorn Road, Alkrington, this morning.

"Following a large house fire which was attended by fire crews from all over north east Greater Manchester. My thoughts and prayers are with the deceased family and friends. 30s is truly no age at all.

"I have received a briefing from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and a full joint investigation with Greater Manchester Police is now taking place into the incident. The exact cause leading up to the incident is not yet known."

A spokesperson for GMP earlier said: "At 4.22am Sunday morning (November 10) we were called to reports of a fire at a house on Round Thorn Road, Middleton.

"Emergency services attended, and sadly a woman in her 30s was found inside the house deceased. An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances."

On Sunday evening, area manager Lee Coleman, from GMFRS, said: "Five fire engines from Middleton, Chadderton, Blackley, Phillips Park and Manchester Central fire stations attended a house fire on Roundthorn Road, Middleton.

"Crews wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used four hose reel jets and one nine-metre ladder to extinguish the fire. Firefighters remain at the scene."

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