Three children and a woman have been killed in a house fire in Bradford in the early hours of this morning – with a man, 39, arrested on suspicion of murder.Â
Officers were called at 2.07am by the fire service to reports of a blaze at a property on Westbury Road, West Yorkshire Police revealed.
A 29-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
And three children – two girls aged nine and one, and a five-year-old boy – were taken to hospital but all three have now died from their injuries, the force said.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team at West Yorkshire Police, said: ‘This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives.
‘Our thoughts remain with their family, friends and loved ones.
‘Early enquiries show that the fire was started deliberately, and we have arrested one man on suspicion of murder.’Â
She described the suspect as ‘seriously ill in hospital today as a result of injuries caused by the fire’.
She added: ‘While our enquiries are at an early stage, we do at this time believe the incident is domestic related.
‘We are appealing anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.
‘Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and we are working with local neighbourhood officers to carry out enquiries and provide reassurance in the area.’
Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is asked to contact police via 101 or use the live chat facility quoting log 107 of 21 August.
Information can also be given anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
