'Our hearts are broken' - Woman who died in devastating house fire named as 'kind and caring' mum of three

A woman who died in a devastating house fire in Oldham has been named as 'kind and caring' mum of three Sadia Shafiq.

The blaze broke out at a terraced house on Saint Thomas Street North at around 4.10pm on Saturday, June 24. Fire crews, police officers and paramedics rushed to the scene as the fire took hold of the home.

Ms Shafiq, 42, tragically died at the scene. A 15-year-old girl, her daughter, was rushed to hospital where she still remains in a critical condition today, police said.

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An inquest into Ms Shafiq's death will open at a later date at Greater Manchester North Coroners' Court.

Her family paid tribute to her and said in a statement released by Greater Manchester Police: "We as a family have been devastated by the loss of Sadia and our hearts are broken.

"She was a beloved mother and sister and a friend to many. She was caring and the light of all our lives and will be deeply missed by all.

"We will never come to terms with our loss but we thank the local community who have come together and supported us during this difficult time.”

Following the incident, pictures from the scene showed the extent of the damage caused by the fire with a number of attics exposed and houses in the vicinity left blackened.

Some neighbours had to be evacuated from their homes for their own safety and for investigations to be carried out. Police launched a probe after the fire, with anyone with information urged to come forward.

GMP added in a statement: "Emergency services attended but despite best efforts she sadly passed aware at the scene. The woman was later confirmed to be Sadia Shafiq, 42.

"Her 15-year-old daughter was taken