‘Beautiful’ mum-of-four, 37, dies in house fire after ‘kids manage to escape’ as her family say it’s ‘a tragic accident’

: "It's a tragic accident. That is all I want to say at this time. I don't want to comment further."

Friends and neighbours have now paid tribute to the beloved mother, understood to have had twin boys - born last year - and two girls.

A number of flowers and tributes have been placed on the front lawn in honour of the mum-of-four.

Neighbours said the property was recently put up for sale, with signs appearing outside "four or five weeks ago".

Crime scene specialists were seen inside the house combing the area for evidence.

A skylight appeared to have been damaged and roof tiles had been dislodged.

Carol Duggan, who lives in nearby Round Thorn Road, said: "I got up at 5am because I couldn't sleep. It was very bright outside and I went to see what was going on.

"There were fire engines. In the morning I walked down and saw it had been cordoned off.

"She seemed a nice person, very chatty. I was totally shocked when I found out it was her.

"I only spoke to her a couple of weeks ago when she was walking home with the children. She was very friendly. I would be walking with the dog and she would be walking with the children. I spoke to her every time I saw her. It's terrible."

Another neighbour described it as a 'tragedy', adding: "It's absolutely horrendous, how sad. Those poor babies. There are no words."

Friends have flooded Facebook with tributes with Daniel Towsey posting: "Heartbreaking news, RIP Kate."

Farrah Terris wrote: "Absolutely heartbroken my lifelong friend. You was the best matey. Love you forever xx."

Johanna Black posted: "Cruel world. RIP Kate. Will always remember the laughs."

Ania Kaczmarek said: "Beautiful Kate. Always in our hearts."

Charley Rose said: "Heartbreaking! I can't stop thinking about you Kate! You were one of the nicest souls I've ever met! Beautiful inside and out. I'm so sorry this happened to you!"

A joint investigation into the fire is underway between Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

As of Tuesday lunchtime, no arrests had been made, the force said.

A spokesperson for GMP earlier said: "At 4.22am Sunday morning (November 10) we were called to reports of a fire at a house on Round Thorn Road, Middleton.

"Emergency services attended, and sadly a woman in her 30s was found inside the house deceased. An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances."

On Sunday evening, area manager Lee Coleman, from GMFRS, said: "Five fire engines from Middleton, Chadderton, Blackley, Phillips Park and Manchester Central fire stations attended a house fire on Roundthorn Road, Middleton.

"Crews wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used four hose reel jets and one nine-metre ladder to extinguish the fire. Firefighters remain at the scene."