A woman in her 30s has been arrested in connection with a house fire in Wolverhampton that killed two boys, aged one and three – investigations into the fire are currently ongoing
A woman has been arrested following the tragic deaths of two boys, aged one and three, in a house fire in Wolverhampton.
The woman, in her 30s, remains in custody this afternoon as inquiries into the Mason Street blaze, which occurred around 8.30pm on Friday, continue.
DCI Kylie Westlake, from the public protection unit, said: “This is a truly tragic incident and our thoughts remain very much with those who loved the children who have been lost.
“We understand the shock and distress this awful incident will have caused to many people and we are working at pace to ascertain exactly what has happened. Officers have arrested a woman on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of two children.
“While we would ask people not to speculate about this or the wider incident, we would ask that anyone who can help with our enquiries, and who is yet to speak with us, to get in contact.”
Two other children and woman had already fled the house before emergency services arrived on the scene of the incident. These three individuals did not require hospital treatment.
Investigators have announced they are working with the fire service to establish the exact circumstances of the fire. Officer are currently carrying out door-to-door enquires and reviewing local CCTV footage in the area.
During the blaze firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and rescued two young children. Sadly despite the best efforts of the emergency services nothing could be done to save them and they were pronounced dead at the scene.
On Saturday morning, forensic officers could be seen entering the property wearing protective equipment. The walls of the house appeared scorched, while two ground-floor windows were open and blackened with smoke.
Photographs appear to show a smashed window on the first floor of the property, and a mattress lying on the road outside, alongside various debris. In a statement, West Midlands Fire Service said crews arrived within five minutes of receiving reports.
West Midlands Fire Service said fire crews from Bilston, West Bromwich and Bloxwich Fire Stations attended with six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entering the property. After rescuing two young children they immediately provided emergency care.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said two ambulances, three paramedic officers, HART paramedics, a MERIT trauma team and a critical care car from Midlands Air Ambulance Charity attended. Ambulance medics working rapidly to administer advanced life support to both children but tragically they were both confirmed dead a short time later.
West Midlands Police have said a cordon at the scene is likely to remain in place for some time. Anyone with information has been urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or via their Live Chat service quoting log 5640 of 24 April.
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