The family of a mother-of-four who was killed in a horror blaze at a £1.2million home have spoken for the first time.

Kate Mulcahy, 37, was found dead after a raging inferno broke out at Ramsden Farm, a cluster of upmarket homes in Middleton, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Sunday.

It’s understood that the devoted mother had two twin boys – born last year – and two girls, who managed to escape the burning mansion.

Friends and neighbours have told of their ‘heartbreak’ following Ms Mulcahy’s death, and now her devastated father, Peter Cropper, has spoken for the first time.

Speaking at his detached home in New Moston, just ten minutes from where his daughter lived, Mr Cropper said: ‘It’s a tragic accident. That is all I want to say at this time. I don’t want to comment further.’

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but Ms Mulcahy’s family is being supported by specially-trained officers.

According to Manchester Evening News, the children managed to escape from the blaze unharmed.

The house, neighbours said, was recently put up for sale, with signs appearing outside ‘four or five weeks ago’.

An online listing for the house put its value at £1.2m. The listing has now been removed.

On Tuesday, as forensic officers remained at the scene combing for evidence, shocked neighbours paid tribute to Ms Mulcahy.

Crime scene specialists were seen inside the house. Flowers and tributes had been placed on the front lawn.

A skylight appeared to have been damaged and roof tiles had been dislodged. Carol Duggan, who lives in nearby Round Thorn Road, said: ‘I got up at 5am because I couldn’t sleep. It was very bright outside and I went to see what was going on.

‘There were fire engines. In the morning I walked down and saw it had been cordoned off.

‘She seemed a nice person, very chatty. I was totally shocked when I found out it was her.

‘I only spoke to her a couple of weeks ago when she was walking home with the children. She was very friendly.

‘I would be walking with the dog and she would be walking with the children. I spoke to her every time I saw her. It’s terrible.’

Another neighbour described it as a ‘tragedy’, adding: ‘It’s absolutely horrendous, how sad. Those poor babies. There are no words.’

A woman who lived nearby told the M.E.N: ‘She had two girls and two boys. The boys were twins.

‘She was really nice. I would say ‘hello’ to her every time I saw her. She was a very nice lady.’

Another person said: ‘The house had only gone up for sale.’

A man who lives on the road told the M.E.N: ‘I could see the smoke and heard the fire engines. I saw an ambulance. There was quite a bit of smoke.’

Friends have flooded Facebook with tributes. Daniel Towsey posted: ‘Heartbreaking news, RIP Kate.’

Farrah Terris wrote: ‘Absolutely heartbroken my lifelong friend. You was the best matey. Love you forever xx.’

Johanna Black posted: ‘Cruel world. RIP Kate. Will always remember the laughs.’

Ania Kaczmarek said: ‘Beautiful Kate. Always in our hearts.’

Charley Rose said: ‘Heartbreaking! I can’t stop thinking about you Kate! You were one of the nicest souls I’ve ever met! Beautiful inside and out. I’m so sorry this happened to you!’

A joint investigation into the fire is underway between Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

As of Tuesday lunchtime, no arrests had been made, the force said.

On Monday, ward councillor Dylan Williams posted on Facebook: ‘Heartbreaking news from Ramsden Farm off Round Thorn Road, Alkrington, this morning.

‘Following a large house fire which was attended by fire crews from all over north east Greater Manchester.

‘My thoughts and prayers are with the deceased family and friends. 30s is truly no age at all.

‘I have received a briefing from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and a full joint investigation with Greater Manchester Police is now taking place into the incident.

‘The exact cause leading up to the incident is not yet known.’

A spokesperson for GMP earlier said: ‘At 4.22am on Sunday we were called to reports of a fire at a house on Round Thorn Road, Middleton.

‘Emergency services attended, and sadly a woman in her 30s was found inside the house deceased. An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances.’

On Sunday evening, area manager Lee Coleman, from GMFRS, said: ‘Five fire engines from Middleton, Chadderton, Blackley, Phillips Park and Manchester Central fire stations attended a house fire on Roundthorn Road, Middleton.

‘Crews wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used four hose reel jets and one nine-metre ladder to extinguish the fire. Firefighters remain at the scene.’