The heartbroken families of a four-year-old girl, her mother and man have today paid a devastating tribute to them after they were all killed in a fire at a Grade-II listed house.
Emma Conn, 30, and her daughter Mayci Fox, four – both from Desborough – died along with Louie Thorn, 23, at a property in the village of Rushton, near Kettering.
The former station master’s house was recently under renovation when flames took hold of the property on Friday, March 28. A fourth person was taken to hospital.
Emma and Mayci’s grieving relatives this afternoon described the mother and daughter as ‘two peas in a pod’.
The tearjerking tribute from Emma’s sister and parents went on to describe her as an ‘incredible mother’ with ‘Mayci-Moo’ being ‘so full of life’.
Mr Thorn’s father, Lee, said he was the ‘perfect boy’, with his mother, Tiffany, saying her son ‘was so genuine, caring, kind and trusting’.
A 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but he was released from custody with police saying they don’t believe there is any evidence of ‘criminal wrongdoing’.
Rev. Andy Giles led prayers for the family during a Mothering Sunday service and told of how the close-knit community are ‘extremely shocked and saddened’ by Friday night’s tragedy.
Emma Conn, 30, and her daughter Mayci Fox, four – both from Desborough – died in a house fire at a Grade II-listed property
The mother and father of Louie Thorn, 23, described him as the ‘perfect boy’who was ‘so genuine, caring, kind and trusting’
In a heartfelt tribute released tonight by police, Emma’s sister and parents said she had a ‘real lust for life’ who loved the simple things in life such as cheesy chips and hot chocolate with marshmallows.
‘She was the most incredible, wonderful mum, who was fiercely loyal and very protective of all those she loved, especially her family,’ they said.
‘Emma certainly wasn’t shy in coming forward and is the one person you would want in your corner.
‘Emma was a very caring, loving and kind person. She was a carer when she was younger and more recently, cared for her Grandad, who she worshipped, before he sadly died last year.’
Emma excelled at trampolining and had competed national level before an ankle injury curtailed her promising career.
She went on to own The Lash Lounge & Beauty salon in the village where she would ride around in her Range Rover Sport blasting 90s R&B tunes.
Her daughter Mayci was described as ‘the happiest little girl you could ever meet’.
‘She absolutely adored her Grandad, loved swimming and playing mermaids with her Grandma,’ the statement read.
‘She also had such a special bond with her Auntie Char and Uncle Maz. She loved playing hide and seek with them and she loved the smell of Maz’s aftershave.
Aerial view of the historic former station house in Beswick Close, Rushton
Shocking images show a large hole burned through the roof of the 19th-century building
Ms Conn is pictured with her daughter four-year-old daughter Mayci
Floral tributes, cars and teddies left near the scene of the fire for Mr Thorn, Ms Conn and her daughter Mayci
Flowers laid near the scene of the fatal fire in memory of the three who tragically lost their lives
‘She was very girly and loved Barbie, always playing the song! Loved to dress up like her mum as well as have her nails done. She never went anywhere without her lip balm!
‘When she went quiet, we knew she was up to something and would find her putting on our make-up, but her favourite thing was getting her face painted.’
They added: ‘Emma and Mayci will always be loved, lost but never forgotten.
‘As a family we are utterly devastated, it just doesn’t feel real. We are still trying to process what has happened while at the same time grieving for the loss of Emma and Mayci. While we do this, we would please ask that the media respect our privacy.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
