Murder inquiry after man dies in house fire

Five fire crews were sent to the blaze at a house in Bilston, Wolverhampton

A murder investigation has been launched after a man died and four people were injured in a house fire in Wolverhampton.

Emergency services were called to a blaze at a property on Plascom Road, East Park, shortly after 01:00 BST on Tuesday.

West Midlands Police said one man, aged 26, died in hospital this morning.

A 16-year-old boy was in a life-threatening condition, and a woman, aged 52, suffered life-changing burns, officers added.

Two other men, one in his 50s and the second in his 20s, have both been discharged from hospital following treatment.

Twenty-two firefighters had been sent to tackle the fire, West Midlands Fire Service confirmed.

Supt Martin Hurcomb, from West Midlands Police, said forensic experts were examining the scene and a cordon was expected to remain in place.

“This is a tragic incident which has resulted in one person losing their life, and four others being hurt," he said.

“We’re working flat out to understand what happened and why, and who was responsible."

Anyone with information or CCTV footage has been asked to contact police.