Woman and two children believed to have died in Stroud house fire

A woman and two children are believed to have died following a house fire in Brimscombe, Stroud on Boxing Day.

Emergency services were called to an address on Brimscombe Hill at around 3am with a report of a fire at a property.

A man and a woman were awoken by the fire and tried to reach their two children, aged four and seven, who were in the rear bedroom.

Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher said: "Due to the ferocity of the intense fire, the parents were unable to get to the bedroom.

"The father, a serving Gloucestershire Police officer, smashed his way out of the house via a bathroom window in order to try and get to the children's bedroom from the outside, however he was unable to do so.

"When he returned to the bathroom, the fire had spread and despite all of his determined efforts, he was unable to re-enter the home via any point in which he tried."

Officers attended the scene along with crews from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and the ambulance service.

Both children are believed to have died following the fire. The body of one child has been located at the scene, and further work is ongoing to locate the second.

The body of a woman, aged in her late 30s, has been located and was removed from the property yesterday (Sunday 28 December).

An investigation has been taking place alongside Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the fire, and the coroner has been informed.

The fire is understood to have started on the ground floor and at this time, the fire is not being treated as suspicious. 

The man had been taken to hospital and he has since been discharged.

Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher said: "At this time this devastating fire is understood to have been a tragic accident.

"Our thoughts are with him, their wider families and everyone who has been impacted by this unimaginable tragedy.

"We ask that people respect the privacy of those involved at this incredibly difficult time."

Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said: "This is an unimaginable tragedy and my thoughts are with our colleague, along with all of those involved and impacted by what has happened.

"At a time when we are all acutely aware of family and the joys that they can bring, my heart breaks at the indescribable pain that they must be experiencing.

"Our partners continue to work at the scene with both care and sensitivity, and I thank them for their continued efforts and professionalism."

A cordon remains in place at the address and an emergency services presence is expected to continue for several days as the site is structurally unstable.

Nathaniel Hooton, Deputy Chief Fire Officer from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said crews from Stroud and Nailsworth fire stations attended the incident, supported by colleagues from Gloucester, Cirencester and Tetbury. Firefighters worked together to successfully prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.

The property has suffered extensive damage, and specialist work is ongoing to ensure it is safe for crews to enter.

Fire crews will remain on scene as investigations continue, working closely with partner agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Firefighters are also continuing to provide safety advice and reassurance to residents in the local community.

Mr Hooton said: "Our thoughts are very much with the family and everyone affected by this devastating fire. We recognise this is an incredibly distressing time, and our crews will remain at the scene to support colleagues from other agencies and the local community as investigations continue."

The British Red Cross has said support is available for anyone who needs it. You can call their support line on 0808 196 3651.

Hours of operation: 

10am - 8pm (Monday and Thursday)

10am - 5pm (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday)