Exeter girl, 7, dies following fire

Fourth death after St. David's blaze

A seven-year-old girl critically ill in a fire at her home in Exeter last month has sadly died from her injuries. 

Iviee-May Hall passed away after being taken to Bristol's Children's Hospital.

Family members Kaylie Rudge, 28, and Daniel Rudge, 29, and four-year-old Lillie-Rose Rudge died in the fire on Clayton Road, in the St David's area of the city on Sunday 21 February.

A nine-year-old boy and a four-year-old boy – Lillie-Rose’s twin brother – continue to be treated at Bristol Children’s Hospital.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned in Exeter . Senior coroner Philip Spinney said at the opening of inquests in Exeter that the causes of the deaths were being investigated. Police are not treating the fire as suspicious.

Whilst understanding that people may wish to pay their respects, police still ask that residents don't breach social distancing regulations to visit the scene.

Superintendent Antony Hart, said: “The circumstances of this tragic incident have touched the hearts of all of those who were involved in the emergency response, those who know the family and the wider community.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time, and they are being supported by specialist officers. We ask that the privacy of those who are grieving is respected.”

Chief fire officer of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Lee Howell, added: “This is incredibly sad news for all of us, and we offer our deepest condolences to the family.

“This was a tragic incident and our crews fought so bravely to save lives. Our thoughts are with the two boys still in hospital.”