4-year-old girl and two adults have died after a house fire in Exeter
Three other children are injured following the blaze in the St David's area of the city
Last updated 21st Feb 2021
A four-year-old girl and two adults in their 20s have died after a house fire in Exeter.
The blaze broke out on Clayton Road in the St David's area of the city and three other children are injured.
Two boys, aged four and nine, and a seven-year-old girl are said to be in a stable condition in hospital and are due to be transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene just after 5.30am on Sunday, before contacting Devon and Cornwall Police.
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that all six people within the property are related to each other.
Officers are working with specialist investigators to establish what happened, however they say there is nothing to indicate third-party involvement.
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 4-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 4 and 9, and a 7-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".
Chief Superintendent Daniel Evans
Chief Superintendent Evans added that cordons were likely to remain in place for several days while vital investigation work is carried out.
"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".
Chief Superintendent Daniel Evans
Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 101, quoting log 140 for the 21st February.