FIVE people have been arrested - four on suspicion of murder - after three children died in a house fire. 

A 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested yesterday, Monday, on suspicion of murder.

Two further men aged 18 and 20 have also been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police made the arrests after launching an investigating following the fire at a house in Jackson Street, Walkden, just before 5am on Monday.

An eight-year-old boy and two girls, aged seven and 14, died in the fire despite the efforts of the emergency services A three-year-old girl remains in a critical condition and a 35-year-old woman remains in a serious condition, both in hospital.

Two 16-year-old boys were able to escape the property.

Chief Superintendent Wayne Miller, Territorial Commander for Salford, said: “In what is such a heart-breaking set of circumstances, we have been doing our very best to support the family in every way that we can and carry out our enquiries quickly and sensitively.

“This evening, two people are in custody but we are still appealing for people who witnessed the fire itself or the events leading up to it to get in contact with us and tell us what they know.

“My thanks goes to the members of the public who have supported us with our investigation.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 8797 alternatively call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.