Three die in West family fire tragedy
Girl, four, and two adults killed in blaze – three children hurt
TWO adults and a four-year-old girl have died in a house fire in Exeter. Three other children remain in hospital.
Specialist investigators were last night still at the scene of the fire in Clayton Road, off Bonhay Road, in the St David’s area of the city, following an incident in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Chief Superintendent Daniel Evans said: “It has now been confirmed that two adults, a 28-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, plus a four-year-old girl have all died following this house fire.
“Next of kin have been informed and we will be supporting those affected with specialist officers.
“Two boys aged four and nine, and a seven-year-old girl who were also in the house at the time of the fire remain in hospital.
He said all three were in a stable condition, and all will be transferred to Bristol Children’s Hospital. All six people within the property are related to each other.
“We are working closely with specialist scene investigators to help us understand how this tragic incident could have occurred, said Chief Supt Evans.
“Currently there is nothing to indicate any third-party involvement in this matter and therefore we are not seeking anyone in connection to this fire at this time.”
POLICE have launched an investigation after a girl of four and two adults, all believed to be from the same family, died in a house fire in the Westcountry.
Officers remained at the scene of the blaze on Clayton Road in the St David’s area of Exeter last night. The fire broke out in the early hours of yesterday.
Those who died were a 28-yearold woman, a 29-year-old man and a four-year-old girl.
Two boys aged four and nine, and a seven-year-old girl, were also in the house at the time of the fire and remain in hospital.
Tributes were paid to the family on social media, with civic leaders expressing their shock at what had happened.
All those occupying the house were related to each other, police said as a “critical incident” was launched following the fire at the property.
The people of Exeter alongside the leader of the city council and the region’s police and crime commissioner sent messages of support, with the tragedy said to have left people in the area “devastated.”
Phil Bialyk, leader of Exeter City Council, took to Twitter to pay tribute to the family. He wrote: “This is tragic news that will impact the whole of the city.
“Our hearts go out to the family. Thank you to the emergency services. We will of course do anything we can to support the community.”
The police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, tweeted: “Horrific news on a Sunday morning. My heart goes out to the family.
“If anyone saw anything please contact 101@dc.police.uk and quote log no. 140 for 21st Feb or ring 101 it will help the fire and police investigate as to what happened.”
Personal messages from those who knew the family, who have not yet been officially named, were also posted.
Lauren Willdigg said: “Big love to my best friend and her family, 2 of my good friends gone too soon.”
Amy Chambers wrote: “Gut wrenching my heart is in pieces, such a lovely family. My thoughts are with family, thinking of you all xx.” Lauren England added: “RIP you beautiful people!! We will forever cherish the memories we’ve had with you these past few months. Thoughts and our love is with all your family right now, we will never forget you.”
Pete Lawrence said: “He was a valued club member, can’t believe this has happened to the family, you all will be missed. RIP mate.”
A cordon along Bonhay Road was due to be released last night, but an inner cordon will remain in place while inquires continue.