Man Charged With Birmingham House Fire Murder

A 56 year old man has been charged with murder after a woman died in a house fire in the Tyseley area of Birmingham last week.

The dead woman's teenage daughter is still critically ill with severe burns after the incident on the 17th of April.

The man was charged this morning at a mental health unit with one count of murder and four counts of attempt murder; he subsequently appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court. Following the court appearance, he was remanded back into a secure mental health unit for continued treatment.

The fire took place on Wednesday 17 April in Cateswell Road, Tyseley. A 52-year-old woman died as a result of smoke inhalation. The woman's daughter remains critically ill in hospital, having suffered severe burns. In addition, four other people were taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarjbjit Johal said: "Our investigation continues and we are still urging anyone with information to speak to us. If you were in the area of Cateswell Road at around 5am on Wednesday (17 April), please get in touch as you may have vital information."

Anyone with information which may aid the police investigation should call 101. Alternatively, people who do not want to speak with officers directly can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.