A woman who did not survive a house fire in Grafton on Friday may have already been dead or injured.
The Homicide Squad is now assisting with the investigation into the death of 47-year-old Michelle Roberts.
Police were called to the home in Margaret Crescent, South Grafton, about 2.30am on Friday by NSW Fire and Rescue officers who were fighting the blaze.
The body of Ms Roberts, the sole occupant of the home, was located inside.
A post mortem has revealed that while she suffered severe burns, she also had other injuries, which are subject to further inquiries.
Investigations by detectives from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command and the Homicide Squad are ongoing under Strike Force Bachell.
Inquiries into the cause of the fire are also being conducted by specialist arson investigators from the Property Crime Squad.
Strike Force Bachell detectives have spoken to a number of people to date, but are appealing for further public assistance.
They would like to speak to anyone with information about the incident, as well as anyone who saw Ms Roberts prior to the blaze. Anyone who can assist should contact Grafton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
No doubt there was no photoelectric smoke alarm in the house …. hence she died. Funny how this article fails to mention such an important component of the kind of fire that kills (smouldering fires).