Sheffield fire: five people including three children killed

Five people, including three young children, have died in a house fire in Sheffield.

Two women are believed to have died alongside the children in the “severe” fire that broke out on Wake Road, Sharrow in Sheffield.

Family relative Ishfaq Kayani told the BBC that the victims were his 54-year-old cousin, her 20-year-old daughter, two boys - aged nine and seven - and a nine-week old baby girl.

“The whole family is in a state of shock, devastated,” he said. “The whole community is in a sombre mood.”

“The children were looking forward to school, and we’ve lost the whole family, just a wonderful family, highly respected.”

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the blaze began shortly after midnight on the residential street, which is lined with cars on either side.

A fire brigade spokesman said: “An investigation has commenced, involving police and fire officers, to establish the cause of the fire.”

Four fire engines were called to the scene and an aerial ladder was used to tackle the blaze.

Police and ambulance services also rushed to the house after receiving emergency calls.

The police, who cordoned off the road, said the damaged building was believed to be a terraced house.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “At this stage we are not able to confirm where in the house the fire broke out or if anyone else was injured.”

Police officers and firefighters remained at the scene, he said.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said that details about the fire would become clearer later on today. “Our investigators are arriving here at 9am, so we will know more later on this morning,” he said.

PA

Additional Reporting: BBC News