A BOY of 12 was being quizzed by murder cops last night after an arson attack left a granny dead.

Victim Hameeda Begums daughter and her grandchild were also fighting for life.

The boy and a man aged 22 were arrested by cops after a wheelie bin full of rubbish was set on fire on the doorstep of Mrs Begums home

The pensioner was trapped inside with her daughter Saima Mian, 24, and granddaughter, Alana, five.

Critically ill ... Alana

Cavendish Press

Cops are questioning the boy and man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The boy was held in a dawn raid on his home close to Mrs Begums house.

The arrests came after claims yobs had been intimidating locals and setting fire to rubbish shortly before the blaze swept through Mrs Begums house in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Her husband Mumtaz Chisty, 73, escaped the burning house.

Yesterday he expressed shock at the boys arrest. The Labour Party worker told how his dedicated and devoted wife of 45 years woke him as their fire alarm went off.

He said: She sacrificed her life to save me and her family.

Three firefighters were injured. One, aged 38, was badly burned when an explosion knocked him off his feet as he tried to carry Mrs Begum to safety.

Last night Saima and Alana were critical in hospital. Floral tributes lined the street outside the familys charred home.

Neighbour Joan Tongue, 43, said: Theyre a wonderful family. Its horrific.