A MURDER investigation has been launched after a deliberate fire resulted in the death of a woman.

Police Scotland are looking to trace the person or persons responsible for the incident which happened in Kilmaurs Road, Kilmarnock.

At around 11.40pm on Saturday, February 11, police and emergency services responded to a report of a fire at a property.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire.

A 71-year-old woman, named as Catherine Kelly, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile 41-year-old man was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries.

Medical staff describe his condition as stable.

A 41-year-old woman was also within the property and did not require medical treatment.

A number of local residents attempted to extinguish the fire and were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

A joint investigation by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland was conducted to establish the cause of the fire.

It has now been determined that the fire was wilful and deliberate in nature and resulted in the death of the 71-year-old woman.

She has been formally identified and relatives have been informed. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Officers from the Major Investigation Team have launched a murder enquiry and are appealing for information.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Burton is leading the investigation. He said: "The outbreak of fire within the house on Kilmaurs Road has resulted in the death of an elderly woman.

"Following a joint investigation with our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, we now know that this was a targeted and deliberate act.

"Local residents are understandably shocked and I would like to acknowledge the bravery of those neighbours and passing motorists who raised the alarm and attempted to do what they could to extinguish the blaze.

"I want to reassure local residents that all is being done to trace the person or persons responsible.

"From when the fire was first reported, there has been a substantial presence by emergency services in the area.

"Specialist forensic staff and detectives remain at the scene as part of the murder investigation.

"Additional uniformed officers are in the area. Please approach those officers with any information of concerns that you have.

"We have spoken with a number of witnesses at this time. I would ask any local residents or passing motorists who have yet to come forward and speak to police, please contact us with any information you may have."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room based at Kilmarnock Police Station on the 101 number.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given in complete confidence.