A MAN who was arrested in connection with a fire at a home three weeks ago has been released.

Police took a 48-year-old man into custody earlier today, Tuesday, on suspicion of attempted murder after a fire at a house on Montreal Street in Leigh.

But a spokesman for Greater Manchester said this evening that the arrested man has now been released under investigation.

The fire happened on Tuesday, October 16.

A woman in her 60s was in a critical condition in hospital but is now in a stable state.

Andrew Bamford, 37, of no fixed abode, has also been charged with attempted murder in connection with the fire.

Neil Stanton, 41, of Lower Hall Lane, St Helens has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life in relation to a house fire on Mardale Road in Huyton on Sunday October, 14.

Both fires are being linked together.

Two men - aged 19 and 22 - who were arrested on October 23 on suspicion on October 23 for attempted murder in connection with the Leigh fire have been released with no further action taken.

A 22-year-old man, who was arrested on Thursday, 25 October on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder has been bailed pending further enquiries.

If you have any information contact police on 0161 856 9908 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.