Neighbours speak of horror after man dies in fire

Nicola Yarranton said it was "absolute carnage" on the street

Neighbours have spoken of their horror and distress after a man died in a house fire.

The 33-year-old was confirmed dead at the scene of the blaze on Charles Witts Avenue, Hereford, which broke out at about 19:00 BST on Thursday.

A woman, 56, was taken to hospital suffering from the effects of the smoke, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.

Police confirmed that a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Nicola Yarranton, who lives nearby, described the scene at the time as “carnage”.

“It was horrible. I had my grandchildren here as well and they were crying," She told BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester.

"It was just mad panic…there were people crying outside. It wasn’t nice.

“It was absolute carnage. Absolute carnage."

Police said they had arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of murder

Theresa Adcocks said the woman taken to hospital was her carer and described her as a wonderful person.

She would take her dogs for walks and would help with the shopping, Ms Adcocks said.

“I just want her back,” she added.

'It's been heartbreaking'

Another resident on the street, who did not wish to be named, said she smelled smoke at the time of the incident before hearing the sirens.

She described the woman in hospital as a “lovely and caring lady”.

“I don’t know what has happened. It’s all just speculation at the moment but I just hope she’s OK,” she added.

“It’s been heartbreaking, distressing.”

Asked if she had a message for her neighbour, she said: “Regardless of whatever happened last night, I just want her to know that we’re here for her.”

Det Insp Catherine Taylor, of West Mercia Police, previously confirmed that the man's death was being treated as suspicious.

"At this stage all lines of inquiry are being explored. Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time," she said.