Neighbour in court accused of murder after blaze that killed mum and two children

A man has appeared in court on murder charges after a horror house fire that killed a mum and her two children.

Jamie Barrow, 31, is accused of killing his neighbours by deliberately starting the blaze in Fairisle Close, Clifton, Nottingham in the early hours of Sunday.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address - also Fairisle Close - and date of birth during the short two minute hearing at Nottingham Magistrates Court, before he was remanded in custody

He is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday on three counts of murder.

Fatoumatta Hydara, 28, died two days after the fire which also claimed the lives of one-year-old Naeemah Drammeh and Fatimah Drammeh, aged three.

Fatoumatta Hydara pictured with her daughters Naeemah Drammeh (centre), one, and Fatimah Drammeh (right), three (Nottingham Post/BPM Media)

It has also been revealed that the tragic family died from smoke inhalation following the blaze, which ripped through their ground floor flat around 3am.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said the force’s thoughts remained with the family and their surrounding community at what was an “incredibly painful” time.

"The grief this family has been put through is incomprehensible,” he said.

Mr Griffin went on to "sincerely thank" the family "for their patience and understanding as we do everything we possibly can to gain justice for Fatoumatta, Fatimah and Naeemah.”

Jamie Barrow, of Fairisle Close, Clifton is charged with the murders of Fatoumatta Hydara and her three children (facebook)

Barrow spoke in court only to confirm his name, address and date of birth (facebook)

The two young children were rushed to Nottingham's Queen’s Medical Centre following the blaze, but they could not be revived by medics.

Their mother Fatoumatta was placed on a life support machine, but died on Tuesday.

Her husband and the girl's father Aboubacarr Drammeh, 40, paid tribute to his 'beautiful' wife and two children earlier this week.

He also slammed the person behind the “cruel crime”.

Balloons, flowers and other tributes left outside the flat in Clifton (PA)

He said: “It is with great sadness that we have lost Fatoumatta and our two daughters in such a tragic way.

“Fatoumatta had lived a short but a very beautiful and fulfilling life.

"A former voluntary worker, Fatoumatta was a very happy, bubbly woman who wouldn’t have the heart to hurt a fly.

One-year-old Naeemah Drammeh who died in the fire along with her sister and mother (PA)

Fatimah Drammeh, three, also died from smoke inhalation following the blaze (PA)

"It is therefore inconceivable to think who might have committed this cruel crime against my family.

“We thank the Ahmadi Muslim community in Nottinghamshire, the Gambian community, the local neighbours and all those well-wishers for their continuous support in this difficult time.

“I and my in-laws are left without any daughters, grandchildren and nieces. I will deeply miss my family.”