Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation into a Toronto house fire that left an 84-year-old woman dead, saying they believe either the woman or her home was targeted.

Just after 8 p.m. on Saturday, police and firefighters responded to calls for an incident at a home in the area of Avenue Road and Boswell Avenue, just north of Bloor Street.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames visible from outside the home, with the fire on every floor of the building. Police later said the house was completely “engulfed.”

Capt. Dan Vieira said one victim was found on the second floor of the home during a search. Life-saving measures were performed and the victim was rushed to the hospital under the care of paramedics.

The woman was later identified as Giovanna Balestrieri,

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