TWO women whose bodies were found in a house fire are believed to have been stabbed to death.

A post-mortem examination showed Geraldine Allen, 56, died from multiple stab wounds while results are awaited on her mother, Maureen, 81, but they are expected to confirm a similar cause of death.

A 21-year-old male relative who was arrested at the scene in Fulwood, near Preston, continues to be questioned by detectives on suspicion of murder.

He is the grandson of Maureen Allen and nephew of Geraldine Allen and was understood to be living with them. Both victims were discovered by police in their semi-detached bungalow, which was set alight.

The alarm was raised just before 2am yesterday by another relative of the two women who was concerned about a number of phone calls they had received.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Constabulary said: “A post-mortem examination carried out on the 56-year-old victim has given her cause of death to be multiple stab wounds.

“A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out on the second victim tomorrow.”