Police have said the death of a man who collapsed and died near the scene of a suspected arson attack isn't believed to be linked to the fire.
The incident happened at around 10pm on Friday in The Uplands, Palacefields, Runcorn. Three fire engines, from Runcorn, Widnes and Frodsham, were initially called to the scene at 9.44pm.
Crews found a "well-developed" blaze involving a garden shed at the back of a bungalow. A Cheshire Police spokesman told the ECHO that officers were then made aware by North West Ambulance Service shortly after 10pm that a 55-year-old man had collapsed nearby.
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Despite paramedics’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighters are also reported to have administered first aid.
Police said the death is being treated as "unexplained", but it is not believed to be linked to the blaze. Formal identification is yet to take place, although next of kin are reported to be "aware". Fire crews were at the scene for around three hours.
When the ECHO visited the scene on Monday, the rear of the property was badly damaged by fire with charred wooden frames scattered about behind a metal fence.
A man has been arrested in connection with the fire on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a Class B drug cannabis resin.
He has since been released on conditional bail.
The police spokesman said: "Shortly after 10pm on Friday, April 28, Cheshire Police were made aware by North West Ambulance Service that a man had collapsed outside an address on the Uplands, Runcorn.
"Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, the 55-year-old local man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The man’s death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.
"The man’s death occurred while firefighters were dealing with a shed fire at a nearby address.
"The shed fire is currently being treated suspicious and a man was arrested in relation to the fire.
"The man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a class B drug, cannabis resin; he has since been released on conditional bail.
"At this stage the two incidents are not believed to be linked."
A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) spokesman said crews "provided emergency first aid to a member of the public who had taken ill at the scene but was not involved in the fire".
A routine CFRS fire log report published after the incident said: "Crews were called to a well-developed fire involving a garden shed.
"Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were deployed using hose reel jets, large fans and thermal imaging cameras to check for hotspots.
"They were at the scene for around three hours.
"The cause of the fire is being investigated."
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