Eyewitness describes moment she tried to save a woman who was on fire in Bury

An eyewitness has described how she and neighbours tried to save the life of a woman who was on fire.

Shaista Farzeen, 33, who was one of the first on the scene in East Street, Bury, says the nightmarish images of the woman on fire have been forever imprinted into her memory.

Police were called to an address in East Street, Bury, at about 7.30pm on Friday to reports a woman had been badly burned.

The victim, a 31-year-old woman, was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Three men aged 34, 24 and 26 have been arrested in connection with the incident, and remain in custody for questioning, Greater Manchester Police said.

Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with their inquiries but A murder investigation has been launched.

A number of floral tributes were left near to the police cordon surrounding the end terrace house.

Shaista Farzeen, 33, was among those who gathered to pay her respects.

Ms Farzeen, from Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, said she was visiting family for Eid when they heard screams outside in the street.

She said: “I have never seen anything like it. This woman was on fire.

“We all came running out and she was there sat there on the pavement.

“She was gasping for breath. Her hair was singed. There was no part of her body that wasn’t burnt.

“People used pillows and cushions to try and douse the fire and we wrapped a wet duvet around her until the ambulance came.

“I was in shock.”

Police officers are conducting house-to-house inquiries in East Street as the investigation continues.

Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Clegg said: “This is a truly devastating incident, in which a woman has tragically lost her life.

“I would like to reassure the public that we believe this is an isolated incident, and there will be an increased emergency services presence in the area as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death."

Anyone with information that might help police should contact police via LiveChat on www.gmp.police.uk, or call 0161 856 7386 quoting log number 2802 of 23/07/21.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.