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.
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