MURDER squad detectives have arrested a man after a woman died following a house fire in Southend.

The 66-year-old woman died after the blaze, in Southchurch Road, after the property caught light at around 2.45am on Saturday morning.

The woman was rescued from the property and was taken to hospital but she later died.

A 41-year-old from Southend, who was known to the victim, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Nearby businesses were left without power on Saturday morning due to a power cut caused by the fire, with forensics on the scene the rest of the weekend.

A bunch of flowers had been left on the doorstep of the flat, which the Echo understands is below a family of five living above.

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Gary Page, the owner of nearby Cards Galore, expressed his shock at the news.

The 68-year-old said: “It’s so sad, I didn’t know what had happened, we just had no power for a few hours.

“It’s usually really quiet around here, nothing like this.

“I only found out what had gone on on Sunday, I was really quite shocked.”

Police were called to the home in the early hours of Saturday morning by the fire service.

The murder probe was launched on Monday morning.

Southchurch Road was closed for several hours at the time of the incident.

A spokesman from Essex Police said: “A thorough examination of the fire site has been carried out by experts and we are now treating the woman’s death as murder. A 41year-old man from Southend, who was known to the victim, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody this morning.

“Anyone who believes they have information on the woman’s death or the hours leading up to the fire should call us on 101 and cite 42/128551/21. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”