Another Body Uncovered in Filton Fire

Firefighters at the scene of the fire.

Twin toddlers and their mother have died following a severe flat fire in Lockbury, Filton, at around 9.00 this morning. A likely cause of the fire is a dropped cigarette.

The body of Sophie Goodnough, the mother of the deceased twins, was found in the kitchen of the top floor flat. Structural damage to the kitchen prevented earlier discovery of her body which was identified by her father, Mr Dave Baker. Mrs Goodnough had injuries consistent with a blow from a blunt object, rupturing her spleen. It is uncertain whether this, or smoke inhalation, was the cause of death. Neighbours reported hearing screams and glass breaking just before the emergency services were called.

Tenants in the basement and first floor flats escaped unharmed, however three children and fireman Joe Lewis were rushed to hospital.  The two toddlers were pronounced dead on arrival.  Mr. Lewis, who risked his life saving the three children, was released from Bristol Royal Infirmary after being treated for minor burns.

Investigations into the cause of the fire continue. John Brown from Avon Fire and Rescue said that they strongly suspect that the cause of the fire was a cigarette and therefore it was accidental.  This remains unconfirmed.

Charlie Goodnough, husband and father of the deceased, has not been seen since he was restrained from entering the building during the fire. Social workers contacted Mr Goodnough at 8.30 this morning, but were told that he had already left. It is understood that the family has been in contact with social workers for some time dealing with family issues.  Police are actively seeking Mr Goodnough, who has been described as a fairly tall man with short grey hair and a beard.

Police are searching for an unidentified male who placed the initial call to the fire brigade, and an unidentified man who accompanied the children in the ambulance. Police ask that anyone with information call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Twins Die in Filton Fire

Two children have died following a severe flat fire in Lockbury at 9.00 this morning.  The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Fire services were quick to the scene, arriving at 9.20.  Police arrived shortly afterwards.  The ambulance did not arrive until 9.40, twelve minutes later than the national requirements.  Tenants in the basement and first floor flats escaped unharmed, however three children and fireman Joe Lewis were rushed to hospital.  The two toddlers were pronounced dead on arrival.  Mr. Lewis, who risked his life saving the three children, was released from Bristol Royal Infirmary after being treated for minor burns.

Police restrained the father of the children who attempted to get back into the building after returning home from work.   The whereabouts of the mother is currently unknown.  Police have reported that a woman matching her description was sighted in Weston Super Mare in the company of an Asian man.  Neighbour Crystal Cooper confirmed that she had seen the two together alone before. They are currently appealing as to the whereabouts of the woman.

The majority of the damage is at the back of the flat in the living area, particularly the sofa which is badly burnt.  The furniture company take no responsibility for the cause of the fire.  However a spokeswoman for the company, Loretta Grey, admitted the materials in the sofa were “potentially combustible.”  A full investigation as to the cause of the fire is underway.  The fire service reported that alarms did not go off.  

Any information regarding the whereabouts of the mother should be reported to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.