A WOMAN has been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life after a man died following a house fire in Colchester.

Lisa Connelly, 42, unemployed, of Rochdale Way, Colchester is in custody and will appear before Colchester Magistrates Court tomorrow.

Fred Payne, 78, of Rochdale Way, died as a result of smoke inhalation caused by the fire, which happened in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police believe Mr Payne may have relatives living in Essex and despite exhaustive attempts to trace his next of kin, officers have been unable to trace any of his relatives so far.

DCI Stephen Jennings, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, is leading the investigation.

He said: "We really need to trace members of Mr Payne’s family and would urge them to get in touch with my team as soon as possible.”

Family members are asked to contact the investigation team on 101.

A 45-year-old man from Colchester, also arrested on suspicion of murder, has been bailed pending further enquiries until Wednesday, October 19. 

Essex Fire Service and Essex Police launched a joint investigation after the fire ripped through Mr Payne's flat in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Officers were called following reports Mr Payne was trapped in the property.

Three fire engines, two from Colchester and one from Wivenhoe sped to the scene.

A neighbour had bravely tried to enter the property twice before fire crews arrived in a bid to rescue the man inside.

Crews quickly located him, carrying him outside but he was unresponsive and despite CPR, he died at the scene.

The member of the public who helped at the scene was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

DCI Stephen Jennings, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, is leading the investigation.

He said: “This tragic incident is now being treated as a murder enquiry. 

“We are looking to establish the exact cause of the blaze and how it started.

“The victim and the suspect are known to each other. 

“I would urge anybody that has any information that may help us establish the facts to contact my team as soon as possible."

Witnesses are asked to call 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.