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Hampshire: Man, 26, charged with murder after pensioner dies in house fire

23 May 2024, 17:06 | Updated: 23 May 2024, 18:44

A man has been charged with the murder of a 96-year-old woman killed in a house fire.

Firefighters found the body of Emma Finch at the scene of a blaze on Mill Road, Liss, Hampshire, at 4.29am on 17 May.

Joshua Powell, 26, was later arrested and charged with her murder. He has also been remanded in custody and will appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday,

In a statement through Hampshire Police, Emma's family said her death "has left a huge void in our lives".

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"We as a family would like to express our sincerest thanks to all the emergency services that attended Mum's house on Friday, and the extensive team now investigating Mum's death," they said.

"The professionalism shown by all the services involved, the dignity shown to Mum brings much comfort to us at this very difficult time, for which we are so very grateful.

"We as a family request privacy at this time to help us come to terms with our loss. RIP Mum x"