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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lucinda Cameron & Kathleen Speirs

'Shining lights who never ceased to make us smile' Schools' tribute to Paisley children killed in fire

The head teachers of three Paisley siblings who died in a house fire have paid tribute to them.

We told how Fiona Gibson, 12, Alexander, eight and five-year-old Philip passed away after the blaze ripped through their home in the town's Renfrew Road on Friday night.

On Sunday, their tearful father, Alex Gibson, was spotted returning to the family home where flowers had been laid.

Dad Alex lost his daughter Fiona and sons, Alexander and Philip in the fire (Handout)

It's believed Alex was at a nearby petrol station at the time of the fire buying treats for the children.

The childrens' mother, Julie Daley, 39, is in a critical condition at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

Now, the head teachers of three siblings who died following a fire at their flat in Renfrewshire have paid tribute to them.

The children's home was ravaged by flames on Friday (Getty Images)

Fiona was a pupil at Mary Russell School in Paisley, where head teacher Julie McCallum, said the school community is "deeply saddened by the tragic news".

In a statement posted on Twitter, she said: "Words cannot express the sadness we are feeling.

"Fiona was a wee shining light in our Mary Russell family and to lose three young lives in this way is devastating for everyone.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all affected by this tragedy at this very sad time."

Alex kneels to read tributes to Fiona, Phil and Alexander (Daily Record)

The boys were pupils at St Catherine's Primary School in the town.

Head teacher Emma Henry said: "We are truly saddened by the loss of Alexander and Philip.

"They were both full of energy and such an important part of our school.

"Both boys loved the outdoors and frequently talked about their regular visits to the park.

"They never ceased to make us smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time."

Alex Gibson wrote on Facebook at the weekend: "may u rest in peace little angels".

He later added: "how I miss them already, now I know what it feels like when ur world comes crashing down".

A JustGiving page was also posted on his Facebook page, set up by a family friend, which states the children's mother "is in icu in a critical condition".

It had raised more than £18,000 by Monday morning, well beyond its £10,000 target.

Police said an investigation is under way to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.

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