Bouquets for young victims of flat blaze
COMMUNITY IN SHOCK AS POLICE QUIZ MURDER SUSPECT
FLORAL tributes have been left at the scene of a fatal house fire which claimed the lives of two young children.
Bouquets were left on the pavement outside the flat in Fairisle Close, Clifton, yesterday.
Emergency services rushed to the fire at 3.17am on Sunday.
Two young girls, aged three and one, and their mother were taken to Queen’s Medical Centre.
The two youngsters were pronounced dead at the hospital. Police have since confirmed that the 28-year-old woman is in “critical condition”.
A man from Clifton has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
He remains in custody being quizzed by detectives.
Inspector Karl Thomas, district commander for city south, said: “It’s with great sorrow that I speak today regarding the family where a one-year-old and a threeyear-old tragically lost their lives in a fire during the early hours of the morning of November 20. “The mother, a 28-year-old female, is in a critical condition.
“Our prayers are with her at this time. Detectives are working around the clock to try and piece together this inquiry.”
Reverends Lydia Cartwright and Gill Hall, of the Holy Trinity Church, took flowers to the scene as a mark of respect.
“When we heard, everybody was quite struck, it’s a terrible thing,” said Rev Hall. Rev Cartwright added: “This morning the community feels strangely subdued. People find their own ways of expressing their grief.
“We’ve got candles at our church that local mums have been lighting before praying.
“Clifton tends to be a community where everyone looks out for each other – it’s a close community in disbelief.”
Chris Clark, group manager for prevention at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “All of our thoughts are with the family of those involved and we send our deepest condolences.
“Alongside the police we will now investigate the cause of this fire and tragic loss of life.
“We recognise what has happened will be deeply distressing for the local community.
“We will be in the area to offer reassurance to residents over the coming days.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
We’ve got candles at our church that mums have been lighting before praying
Rev Lydia Cartwright