A four-year-old girl has died following a suspected arson attack at a house in Manchester, police have said.

The child was found seriously injured by firefighters tackling the blaze in the Rusholme area of the city at about 12:30 GMT.

She was taken to hospital where she was later pronounced dead, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

A 44-year-old woman, who police said was known to the child, has since been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Det Ch Insp Charlotte Whalley 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.

“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.”

She said the emergency services “did their utmost best” to save the little girl after the fire on Gateshead Close.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze.

Investigators will “leave no stone unturned” when establishing what had happened, she added.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Ben Levy, area manager at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said crews from four stations had attended the scene.

He said they would work closely with police on the investigation.

“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,” he added.

“Our thoughts are with them during this sad and difficult time.”