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Nothing suspicious in Exeter death blaze

Dan Rudge, 29, died with his wife and daughter (courtesy: GoFundMe)

Four-year-old boy loses twin sister and parents

Police are treating the cause of a fatal house fire in Exeter, during which two adults and a child died, as non-suspicious.

They have now confirmed that the people who lost their lives were Kaylie Rudge, aged 28, and Daniel Rudge, 29 and their four-year-old daughter, Lillie-Rose Rudge.

Lillie-Rose’s twin brother and two other children, a nine-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl are at Bristol Children's Hospital. The little girl is in a critical condition.

Police were alerted to the fire, at an address on Clayton Road in the St David’s area of Exeter, at around 5.30 a.m. on Sunday 21 February. Having concluded their investigation, they've found no evidence that anyone else was involved.

The fire started downstairs, and no faults have been found with any electrical appliances or wiring. An investigation is underway to support the coroner's investigation. 

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 at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Lee Howell, added: “Our hearts go out to everyone who knew the family involved in the fire in Exeter yesterday.

“It’s an incredibly sad time for the city and our community. Our thoughts are with the children who are still critically ill in hospital and the lives of those who have been changed forever by this fire.

“I’m very proud of the actions of our Fire Control operators and the crews from Danes Castle, Middlemoor, Clyst St George and Crediton who worked so bravely to try and save the lives of those involved and all those support staff and officers who helped resolve this incident.

“They have been offered support following such a traumatic incident. The support from police and ambulance service colleagues was so important and I’m grateful to everyone who tried to help in any way. 

“We would ask everyone reading this message to consider safety in your home, and take simple steps, such as regularly testing your smoke alarms. Along with the sadness of what happened, we know that many people will be feeling worried about their safety.

“We will be sharing more safety advice over the coming days for parents and children.”

A fundraising page set up for the family has now surpassed £25,000. The initial aim was to raise £4,000, but the appeal has touched many people. 

On Thursday morning, St David's Church will open for people to leave flowers, light candles and have some time for peaceful reflection. 

 

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