Police investigate death of woman following fire

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Homicide Detectives in Philadelphia's Nicetown neighborhood are investigating the death of a woman following a house fire.

Officers responded to a home on the 1900 block of West Bristol Street around 7:00 p.m. Friday, for a report of a fire with residents trapped inside.

Firefighters found the house full of smoke and encountered the fire on the first floor of the home.

Upon further investigation, firefighters discovered a woman lying unresponsive in the basement of the building. Police say the woman had a large head wound, and found blood on the wall behind her. She was pronounced dead a short time later.

The victim has not yet been identified, but police say she is estimated to be in her 50s.

Police have not said how the woman died, or who may be responsible, but they do believe someone set a fire in her home to cover up the murder.

Homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the case.