Police have launched a triple murder investigation after a mother was pronounced dead following a flat fire that also killed her two children.
Fatoumatta Hydara, 28, was left critically ill after the morning blaze in the first-floor property in Clifton, a suburb south of Nottingham, on Sunday.
She was placed on a life support machine but died on Tuesday morning, police said.
It comes after her two girls, aged one and three, were given first aid after being dragged from the flat by fire crews but were pronounced dead in hospital.
Both children have now been identified as Naeemah Drammeh and Fatimah Drammeh. A heartbreaking video of the two children has been released.
A murder investigation was launched after a police probe concluded that the fire was started deliberately.
A 31-year-old man from Clifton was arrested on Sunday night and remains in custody. Police have been given an additional 36 hours to interview him.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are dealing with one of the most horrendous crimes - the death of two young children and their mother. This is a deeply upsetting tragedy and I can only imagine the family’s pain. They include the woman’s husband and the father of the two children, who was not in the UK at the time of the fire.
“Both he and other members of the family are being supported by specially-trained officers at this incredibly difficult time and we ask for the media to give them privacy while they deal with this incredible loss.
“This has been an extremely traumatic event for them, and I’d like to reassure them we’re doing everything we possibly can to bring them the justice they deserve.
“To achieve this, a large team of detectives has been working long days and nights to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
“A number of specialists have also been examining the scene and this is likely to continue for some time.”
He added: “This is now being treated as a triple homicide.
“The local community has been shocked and deeply saddened by the events of the past two days and I want to thank those living in the area for the patience and understanding while we gather evidence at the scene.
“I also want to thank those who have already come forward, but I would urge anyone with any information, regardless of how insignificant you think it may be, to contact us.
“We would specifically like to speak to anyone who was in or around Fairisle Close between between 12am and 4.30am on Sunday morning.”
