Three ‘little angels’ killed as fire rips through family flat
THREE children from the s ame f amily have di ed after a devastating fire tore through their home.
Fiona Gibson, 12, and her brothers Alexander, eight, and Philip, five, died at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after the blaze spread through a flat in Paisley.
The children’s mother Julie Daley, 39, was rescued by firefighters but is critically ill in hospital.
Police have meanwhile launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Last night, the children’s father, Alex Gibson, who lives elsewhere, wrote on social media: ‘May you rest in peace little angels.’
Yesterday, a team of forensic officers in white suits were working at the upper cottage flat to investigate the cause of the blaze. Flowers and gifts have been left outside the police cordon by friends and neighbours.
Last night, the siblings’ grandmother paid emotional tribute to the three ‘beautiful’ children. At her home in Paisley, Julia Daley said: ‘ They are beautiful c hi l dren. They wil l be sorely missed.’
She confirmed that her daughter had been given the news in hospital that her three children are dead.
The tragedy prompted a flood of online condolences from friends and family.
One wrote: ‘ I am so, so sorry for your loss. Your wee angels were absolutely amazing kids. Rest in peace, sweethearts.’
Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, described the children’s deaths as ‘heartbreaking’. She tweeted: ‘No words are enough. It’s j ust heartbreaking. My thoughts are with all who loved these poor children. Fiona, Alexander and Philip – may you rest in peace.’
Scottish Fire and Rescue said: ‘Six appliances were mobilised to Paisley’s Renfrew Road, where fi refighters were met by a well-developed fire within a first-floor property.’
A police spokesman said: ‘ An investigation is under way t o establish the exact circumstances of this incident.’