Police launch murder investigation after woman dies following Trowbridge house fire

Police and fire investigation underway. © Wiltshire 999s

Murder detectives are probing a house fire in Trowbridge which left a woman dead.

The woman, who has been formally identified as Agnieszka Swierczynska-Jaros, a 37-year-old Polish national, died following a house fire in Frome Road in the early hours of Saturday 13 January 2018.

The regional Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) is now running the investigation.

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Det Insp Jim Taylor, who is leading the case, said: “Following the house fire on January 13, we are sad to confirm that the victim in this case Agnieszka has now passed away.

“Although Agnieszka died in hospital at the end of January, we are only now at a stage to release a public statement about her death and the murder investigation, because of some delay in contacting her next of kin and organising a formal identification to take place.

“Since the fire we have been carrying out a detailed investigation, including forensic analysis, house to house enquiries and obtaining witness statements.

“This is proving to be a complex case, but we can now confirm that we are treating Agnieszka’s death as murder.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to her family and would like to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to ascertain how the fire started and who was responsible.

“I would also like to urge anyone who may have any information about the incident, including anyone who may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously before the fire, or in the weeks since, to contact police.”

Two local men, aged 44 and 55, were arrested on suspicion of committing arson with intent to endanger life and have been released under police investigation while police enquiries continue.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Brunel MCIT on 101 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.

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