Tributes have flooded in for a mum-of-four who tragically died after a blaze tore through a family home this weekend.
Kate Mulcahy, 37, who is understood to have two daughters and twin boys who were born last year, was found dead at the £1.2m home in Ramsden Farm – a group of upmarket homes in Middleton, Greater Manchester – in the early hours of Sunday, the Mirror reports.
Several children were said to have fled the premises during the fire, but Ms Mulcahy was unable to be rescued. Neighbours said the home was just put on the market, with posters appearing outside “four or five weeks ago”. The house was listed online for £1.2million, but it was later removed.
Loved ones have subsequently filled social media with tributes to the beloved mother, whose family is being supported by specially-trained officers.
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 said the incident was a ‘tragedy‘, adding: “It’s absolutely horrendous, how sad. Those poor babies. There are no words.” A local added: “She had two girls and two boys. The boys were twins. She was really nice. I would say ‘hello’ to her every time I saw her. She was a very nice lady.”
Friends also took to Facebook to share their tributes. Daniel Towsey posted: “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!”
Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have joined forces to investigate the fire, and said as of Tuesday lunchtime that no arrests had been made. Ward councillor Dylan Williams wrote on Facebook on Monday: “Heartbreaking news from Ramsden Farm off Round Thorn Road, Alkrington, this morning.
“Following a large house fire which was attended by fire crews from all over north east Greater Manchester. My thoughts and prayers are with the deceased family and friends. 30s is truly no age at all. I have received a briefing from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and a full joint investigation with Greater Manchester Police is now taking place into the incident. The exact cause leading up to the incident is not yet known.”
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 the house deceased. An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances.”
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.”
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