‘Outstanding’ mum-of-four dies in house fire as children escape in ‘tragic accident’
A mother-of-four that was tragically killed in a house fire has been named as Kate Mulcahy.
Family and friends have paid their respects to the mum from Greater Manchester who had twin boys and two girls.
Mulcahy was found dead following a large fire at her home at Ramsden Farm in Middleton in the early hours of Sunday (10 November).
A number of children escaped, though Mulcahy couldn't be saved. Formal identification has not yet taken place.
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The house was said to be put up for sale 'four or five weeks ago', according to neighbours, though the listing has since been removed.
Crime scene specialists could be seen inside the house on Tuesday (12 November), as investigations at the scene began on Sunday.
Meanwhile, neighbours paid tribute to the late mother, leaving flowers on the lawn in front of the home.
Nearby neighbour, Carol Duggan, explained that she 'couldn't sleep' and 'got up at 5.00am' to see why it was so bright outside.
"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," she admitted.
Describing her as 'very friendly', she added that they spoke 'every time I saw her'.
Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been carrying out the investigation, though as of Tuesday lunchtime, no arrests had been made.
Friends took to Facebook to pay tribute to Kate, calling her 'beautiful' and 'the best', while her sister, Emma Cropper, also wrote an emotional tribute message on the social media app.
"Hey everyone, thank you so much for all the support received. She really was the best and I will miss her until my last breath," she began.
The 37-year-old went on: "The help given to John & the kids has been amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough. As everyone knows she meant the world to me and my girls and words can’t express how deeply she’ll be missed.
"My Mum and Dad are truly devastated and in a complete state of shock. Her kindness, laughter, and warmth touched so many lives, and I know so many of you will feel this loss as well.
"She really was the best Mum, Sister and Auntie and I can’t imagine a world without her in it. I’m so lucky as we have so many memories shared but so sad we won’t make anymore."
Cropper concluded: "My darling sister Kate Elizabeth , I will love and miss the joy you brought to this world forever. Thank you for everything, I promise your children will never forget what an outstanding mum you really were."
Ward Councillor Dylan Williams also took to Facebook, writing: "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," he clarified.
Prior to this, a spokesperson for GMP stated: "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 the evening of the tragedy, area manager Lee Coleman of the GMFRS explained: "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."
Joshua Nair