Police have launched an investigation into the deaths of a four-year-old girl and two adults in a house fire in Exeter.
Those who died in the blaze on Sunday morning in the St David’s area of the city were a 28-year-old woman, a 29-year-old man and a four-year-old girl.
Two boys aged four and nine, and a seven-year-old girl, were also in the house at the time of the fire and remain in hospital. All those occupying the house were part of the same family, Devon and Cornwall police said in a statement.
A critical incident was declared after police were called at about 5.30am on Sunday. By then the ambulance and fire crews were already at the family home and the fire had been extinguished. On Sunday evening forensic experts remained at the house on Clayton Road, which has been cordoned off as the investigation continues.
Ch Supt Daniel Evans of Devon and Cornwall police 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.”
Evans said officers were working with specialist scene investigators to establish the cause of the fire.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Evans added: “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.”
In a statement, Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service said: “Our heartfelt thoughts are with the family and everyone involved in responding to this tragic incident. Our officers remain at the scene working alongside the police. Investigations into the cause of the fire continue and we are working closely with specialist scene investigators.”
Exeter city council announced that the flag on the city’s civic centre will be flown at half mast tomorrow, and a minute’s silence will also be held before Tuesday’s council meeting.
