Tributes to a ‘doting father’ and 5 children killed in blaze at farmhouse
A FATHER of 17 and five of his children are believed to have died in a ferocious farmhouse fire, police said yesterday.
The youngsters – aged between four and 11 – were trapped along with David Cuthbertson, 68, when the blaze broke out at the remote Welsh location in the early hours of Monday.
Three other children – aged 13, 12 and 10 – escaped from the property in Llangammarch Wells, Powys and ran to a neighbour to raise the alarm.
They are being supported in hospital by relatives and specialist officers. Their condition is not thought to be lifethreatening. Specialist investigators and fire chiefs were still at the scene last night investigating the cause of the tragedy, which remains “unexplained”.
Superintendent Jon Cummins, of Dyfed-Powys Police, described the scene as “complex and perilous”, but said officers were working on the theory that one man and five children had died.
He said: “Due to the severity of the damage at the scene we are unable at this stage to identify any of the deceased.
“The family are our priority and they are being kept informed and fully supported by specialist officers. They have asked that their privacy is respected at this extremely traumatic time. They would also like to thank friends and locals for their support, sympathies and all kindness shown to them.”
Well-wishers have already donated more than £11,107 to the family within 24 hours of the tragedy.
Mr Cummins also praised police officers and fire service for their work in extremely challenging conditions, saying: “This is a tragic incident.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the family and all those affected.”
Retired builder Mr Cuthbertson is believed to have fathered 17 children with at least three different women.
Two adult daughters – Bre, 30, and Pia, 24, and son Kit, 32 – are said to still live nearby, while other children live elsewhere in the country.
Their mother Judith split from their father and is thought to have moved to Greece three years ago.
Distressed
Mr Cuthbertson struck up a relationship with a woman called Seema, who suffered a stroke and was forced to move out of the family home.
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “They are all such lovely children. David did a good job of bringing them all up.”
As friends and neighbours paid tribute to the victims, distressed well-wishers continued to raise money for the family through a JustGiving page. By yesterday afternoon the figure raised stood at £11,107.
Local MP Chris Davies said it could be days before the members of the family could be identified. He said: “Shocked and devastated are the only way to describe this.
“This is a very small rural community. The effects will be felt for many years to come.”
One floral tribute left at the scene, said: “A terrible tragedy – special thoughts to family and friends.”
Neighbour Ron Birchall, 73, described Mr Cuthbertson as “a great guy” who doted on his kids.
Friend Barry Smith wrote on Facebook: “I knew Dave for around 14 years.
“I can’t and I won’t get over it. Rest in peace, Dave and all the little ones that died with you.”
Colin Ashton posted: “Very very sad. A really nice man, a real family man and an excellent builder.”