Police have arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of murder after a fire ripped through a house in Bradford, resulting in the deaths of one woman and three children under the age of 10.
Officers were called at 2.07am today by the fire service after reports of a house fire at a property on Westbury Road. A 29-year-old woman was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, a police spokesman said.
They added: “Three children – two girls aged nine and one, and a five-year-old boy – were taken to hospital. Sadly, all have died from the injuries they suffered in the fire.”
A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of 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. He is seriously ill in hospital today as a result of injuries caused by the fire.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
An aerial picture of the scene showed black soot caked around the front door and a window frame at the property.
Floral tributes have been placed at the scene, with a picture of one in the Bradford Telegraph and Argus simply reading: “Have fun in heaven, we will miss you.”
One local resident said: “I didn’t see what happened, but I heard an alarm – it sounded like a panic alarm – and then I saw blue lights flashing. They were putting a cordon in place down the street.”
Told a murder investigation had been launched, the woman added: “It’s horrible.”
Another resident said: “I did wake up and I saw all police incident vans. My nephew, who lives opposite, rang the fire brigade.
“He also rang me to tell me he was all right. It’s a terrible thing to happen. It’s just awful and horrendous.”
Describing what had happened earlier, one woman who lives in Westbury Road explained: “My husband went up the street to see if he could help.
“He could see it was a house fire as there were flames and smoke coming out of it. The fire was blazing.
“But firefighters and police told him to stand back and not put himself in danger. There were other residents trying to help too. He said he seen two firefighters run into the home.”
She added: “There was really thick smoke coming up the the street. It filled the whole area. It looked foggy. It was overwhelming.
“You could hear screaming. I was scared to go up there to see because you don’t know what’s happening.
“It’s a massive thing that’s gone on. It’s scary.”