A murder investigation by Nottinghamshire Police is under way after two children aged three and one years old have died in a flat fire. Emergency services were called to Fairisle Close, Clifton, at 3:17am on Sunday, November 20, after reports of a flat fire which is believed to have been started deliberately. A woman has also been left in a serious condition after the blaze.
The fire was in a first floor flat of a two-storey residential property. Whilst crews tackled the blaze, which was extinguished at around 4am, neighbouring properties were temporarily evacuated.
A woman and two young children were treated at the scene by East Midlands Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation, and then taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. Sadly the two children, aged three and one, were pronounced dead at the hospital, and the woman remains in a critical condition.
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A joint fire and police investigation has concluded that the fire was started deliberately. Detective Chief Inspector Greg McGill, who is leading the investigation, said: “These are tragic and very sad circumstances and my thoughts are with the family of those involved.
“Following a joint investigation with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service we have established that the fire was started deliberately. We are appealing for witnesses who were in the area at that time and saw something suspicious to please come forward and help us with the investigation.
"We have a team of detectives who are working hard to establish the circumstances and our inquiries remain in their early stages.” Any members of the public who have any information are encouraged to submit this through the Major Incident Public Portal.
Inspector Ben Lawrence, of Nottinghamshire Police, has warned that members of the local community should expect a high presence of officers in the area whilst a scene remains in place and inquiries continue. He said: “This tragic incident has resulted in two children sadly losing their lives and my thoughts, first and foremost, are with their loved ones at this time.
“We understand residents living nearby will be shocked by this news and have concerns about what happened. We will continue to maintain a policing presence in the area and we will be working to reassure them as best we can in the coming days.
“If anyone has any concerns I'd encourage them to speak to one of our officers.” Group Manager for Prevention at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Chris Clark, added: “All of our thoughts are with the family of those involved and we send our deepest condolences.
“Alongside the police we will now investigate the cause of this fire and tragic loss of life. We recognise what has happened will be deeply distressing for the local community, and we will be in the area to offer reassurance to residents over the coming days.”
Following what happened, Nottingham City Council leader, Councillor David Mellen, said: “I am so saddened to hear this tragic news. The loss of two young children is completely heartbreaking. We’ll do all we can to support the family and community at this deeply upsetting time.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to submit it here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk). Or if you would prefer to speak to someone, please call 101 and ask for Nottinghamshire Police quoting incident 0110_20112022 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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54 tributes, death and funeral notices from across Nottinghamshire
