Rest in peace my little angels
Dad’s tribute after his three kids die in blaze
A devastated dad paid tribute to his three “little angels” yesterday after they died in a fire in the family’s flat.
Police were trying to find out what caused the blaze that killed Fiona Gibson, 12, her brothers Alexander, eight, and five-yearold Philip, and left their mum fighting for life.
Alex Gibson wrote on Facebook: “May u rest in peace, little angels.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said “no words are enough” to
describe the tragedy, as shocked men and women gathered at the scene in Renfrew Road, Paisley, to pay their own tributes.
A white teddy bear was left among the floral tributes next to a police cordon.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It is horrendous. We heard that the man went out to the garage and by the time he came back there had been an explosion and this had happened.
“It’s tragic. Three weans dead and their mum at death’s door. It is such an awful shame.”
Forensic officers in white suits began their work at the house, where charred windows and melted guttering were testament to the sudden ferocity of Friday night’s blaze.
The children were taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow but died shortly after admission.
A 39 - year - old woman, understood to be mum Julie Daley, was rushed to Royal Alexandra Hospital, where she was critically ill last night.
Sturgeon said: “No words are enough. It ’ s heartbreaking.
My thoughts are with al l who loved these poor children.
“Fiona, Alexander and Philip – may you rest in peace.”
Reports of the fire at the upper cottage flat came in at about 9pm on Friday.
A local man said: “By the time I realised what was happening and got round there, the fire brigade were already there.”
He said Fiona, a pupil at Mary Russell School, and the boys, pupils of St Catherine’s Primary, had been playing outside on a bouncy castle in the days leading up the tragedy.
A police spokesperson said: “An investigation is under way to establish the exact circumstances of this incident.
“Anyone who has information that could assist our inquiries should contact police.”
The fire service said six appliances were sent to the scene, and were met by a “well-developed fire”.
A spokesperson added: “Firefighters remain on the scene working to extinguish the fire.”
The damaged end- of-terrace property remained under police guard yesterday afternoon.
A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.