Tearful neighbours left floral tributes outside a burnt-out terraced home after a four year-old girl tragically died in a suspected arson attack. The youngster was found seriously injured by firefighters who smashed into the inferno and carried her out of the house in Rusholme, Greater Manchester, at 12.30pm on Sunday.

       A 44 year-old woman, who Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed was known to the child, is being quizzed on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. On Monday morning a police cordon was still in place at Gateshead Close as residents spoke of their shock, while visibly upset neighbours placed flowers including daffodils by the devastating scene.

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       Neighbours said they were still trying to comprehend what happened and the arrest, and added that the as yet unnamed girl's death was simply "heartbreaking."

       While forensic officers are now combing through the charred red-brick terrace, police have stressed this was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider community.

       Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, from GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "This awful incident has seen the tragic death of a young girl, and I would like to send my condolences to her friends and family.

       "Numerous emergency services attended the scene and all did their utmost best to save her.

       "A woman has been arrested and I can confirm that she is known to the child. There is no wider threat to the community and no one else is currently being sought in connection with the investigation.

       "These tragic incidents will of course naturally cause concern, but I want to reassure the public that we are fully investigating all circumstances of the fire, and will leave no stone unturned as we carry out this work."

       Emergency services descended on Gateshead Close on Sunday afternoon after the blaze broke out. Neighbours said they saw smoke billowing out of a top floor window shortly before emergency services arrived.

       One woman, whose house is in a neighbouring street, said she was alerted by the sound of sirens and fire engines arriving at the scene.

       She added: "I looked over and saw smoke coming from one of the top floor windows. I saw four of five firemen run around the back but then they went around the front and I could hear them banging the door in.

       "I don’t know who lives at the house but to know a child has died is awful."

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       One man who lives on Gateshead Close said a woman and a girl lived together at the address, adding: "I’ve been living here around three years. They were already living here when I moved in."

       The young girl was rescued from the building by firefighters and taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries, but tragically died despite the best efforts of those involved.

       The 44-year-old woman remains in custody for questioning. On the outside back wall of the row of houses, someone had written in graffiti: "You are loved."

       Ben Levy, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager, said on Sunday: "Today (Sunday, 2 March), crews from Gorton, Moss Side, Salford, and Withington Fire Stations attended a fire at a house on Gateshead Close, Manchester.

       "I want to pass on the condolences of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to the family and friends of the young girl who tragically lost her life following this incident.

       "Our thoughts are with them during this sad and difficult time. We will work closely with Greater Manchester Police to support their investigation into this tragic incident."