A double murder investigation has been launched after two young children tragically died in a fire that broke out in a flat in Nottingham. Emergency services were alerted of the fire at Fairisle Close in the Clifton area of the city at around 3.17am this morning.
A woman has been left fighting for her life after the blaze and two children, aged one and three, have died, Devon Live reports. The fire broke out in a first floor flat of a two-storey residential home. Neighbouring properties were temporarily evacuated while firefighters tackled the blaze, which was extinguished at around 4am.
The woman and two young children were treated at the scene by East Midlands Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation before being rushed to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. Tragically, the two children were pronounced dead at the hospital and the woman remains in a critical condition.
A joint fire and police investigation has concluded that the fire was started deliberately. Detective Chief Inspector Greg McGill, who is leading the investigation, said: “These are tragic and very sad circumstances and my thoughts are with the family of those involved.
“Following a joint investigation with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service we have established that the fire was started deliberately. We are appealing for witnesses who were in the area at that time and saw something suspicious to please come forward and help us with the investigation.
"We have a team of detectives who are working hard to establish the circumstances and our inquiries remain in their early stages.” Any members of the public who have any information are encouraged to submit this through the Major Incident Public Portal.
Inspector Ben Lawrence, of Nottinghamshire Police, has warned that members of the local community should expect a high presence of officers in the area whilst a scene remains in place and inquiries continue. He said: “This tragic incident has resulted in two children sadly losing their lives and my thoughts, first and foremost, are with their loved ones at this time.
“We understand residents living nearby will be shocked by this news and have concerns about what happened. We will continue to maintain a policing presence in the area and we will be working to reassure them as best we can in the coming days.
“If anyone has any concerns I'd encourage them to speak to one of our officers.” Group Manager for Prevention at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Chris Clark, 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, and we will be in the area to offer reassurance to residents over the coming days.”
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