Investigations continue after mother and three children die in bootle house fire

A mother and three children have died following a house fire at a property in Stone Square, Bootle, Merseyside.

Emergency services were called to the semi-detached house during the early hours of Tuesday after a serious fire broke out. Six fire engines attended as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters searched the property and found four people upstairs who showed no signs of life. Their deaths have since been confirmed.

Another person who was outside the property when firefighters arrived was taken to hospital. Their current condition has not been provided.

Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are carrying out a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Fire service officials said the investigation would continue as they work with relevant agencies to establish how the fire started and what caused it to spread.

Chief fire officer Nick Searle described the blaze as an intense fire that spread rapidly.

Kevin Longshaw, area manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, described the incident as devastating and said the service's thoughts were with the relatives and friends of those who died and the person who was injured.

Investigators are expected to remain at the scene while enquiries continue.

A police cordon remains around the property in Stone Square as investigators examine the scene.

Members of the local community have gathered to leave tributes for the family. Flowers, cards, candles and teddy bears have been placed near the cordon, alongside pink and blue star-shaped balloons.

The tributes reflect the shock and sadness felt locally following the deaths.

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, and the Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Rev Simon Robinson, said they were deeply saddened by the incident.

They expressed their thoughts and prayers for the family and loved ones during what they described as an unimaginably difficult time.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Police and fire investigators are continuing their work, and further information is expected as the investigation progresses.

Daily Dazzling Dawn will continue to report confirmed developments from Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service as they become available.