Three die in Exeter fire

Three children also in hospital

An horrific fire at a house in central Exeter in the early hours of Sunday have left two adults and a four-year-old girl dead. Three more young children, all from the same family, are injured and are to be taken to Bristol Children's Hospital.

Police were called to Clayton Road, off Bonhay Road near St David's station around 5.30 a.m. by which time the fire was out.

On Sunday afternoon, police confirmed the fatalities. Chief superintendent Daniel Evans said; “It has now been confirmed that two adults, a 28-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, plus a four-year-old girl, have all died following this house fire. Next of kin have been informed and we will be supporting those affected with specialist officers.

“Two boys aged four and nine, and a seven-year-old girl who were also in the house at the time of the fire remain in hospital. All three are currently in a stable condition, and all will be transferred to Bristol Children’s Hospital later today; all six within the property are related to each other.

“We are working closely with specialist scene investigators to help us understand how this tragic incident could have occurred, but currently there is nothing to indicate any third-party involvement in this matter and therefore we are not seeking anyone in connection to this fire at this time.

“We hope to release the wider cordon along Bonhay Road by this evening, but an inner cordon surrounding the property along with a scene guard will be in place for the next three days at least, whilst vital scene investigation work takes place.”

“This is a deeply upsetting incident and one that will cause great distress to the community, particularly to those who knew the family. I don’t doubt that people will wish to leave a tribute and flowers at the scene. I ask that at this time the public give our officers space to undertake the vital investigative work at the scene, and we will update you all over the coming days in relation to a safe space where people can leave flowers or a tribute if they wish.”

Cordons remain in place on streets around the incident and roads in the vicinity are likely to remain closed for some days.

Anyone with information they think may help officers should ring 101 and quote log 140 of 21 February.