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Mother and Two Children Killed in Boxing Day House Fire Near Stroud

Recovery is proceeding cautiously as structural collapse leaves the property unstable.

Overview

  • Emergency crews were called to the Brimscombe Hill home around 3am on December 26 and found a well-developed blaze that destroyed the mid-terrace property.
  • The father, a serving Gloucestershire police officer, escaped through a bathroom window and tried repeatedly to reach the children’s bedroom but was forced back by the heat.
  • Police say the bodies of the mother and one child were recovered on Sunday, with efforts continuing to recover the second child’s remains as conditions allow.
  • Investigators believe the fire started on the ground floor; it is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been notified as inquiries continue.
  • Fire officials report a collapsed roof and lost internal floors and stairs, with specialist teams assisting the careful recovery and a cordon expected to remain for days.