A HOUSE fire in Trafford in which a man died and four people were critically injured is now being treated as suspicious by police.

Police were called to Barlow Road, Broadheath, shortly after 4.50am yesterday morning. Two women, aged 40 and 18, and two boys aged four and 15, were taken to hospital for treatment to burns and smoke inhalation, where all four remain in a critical condition.

A 39-year-old man died from his injuries. A Home Office post-mortem is due to take place later today to establish the cause of his death.

A joint investigation between police and GMFRS has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the start of the fire, but it is believed to be suspicious.

Chief Superintendent Mark Roberts, divisional commander of Trafford, said: "This is an extremely serious and tragic incident that has left one person dead and four others critically injured.

"I want to reassure the community that we have a dedicated team of detectives investigating and we are working closely with fire investigators to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

"If you have any information that you wish to pass on to police, please speak to one of the extra neighbourhood officers who will be in the area, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Anyone with information can also speak to officers by contacting Trafford CID on 0161 856 8314.