Four-year-old girl among three people dead in Exeter house fire
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the blaze police described as "deeply upsetting".
Sunday 21 February 2021 18:16, UK
A four-year-old girl is among three people who have died following a fire at a house in Exeter, police have said.
Two adults, a 28-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, also died, while three other children who were present are in hospital for treatment.
They are two boys, aged four and nine, and a seven-year-old girl.
All six people at the property are related to each other.
Devon and Cornwall Police said specialist investigators remained at the scene in Clayton Road in the St David's area, with the blaze having broken out in the early hours of Sunday.
Chief Superintendent Daniel Evans said the three children who were taken to hospital were in a "stable" condition and that an investigation had been launched to establish the cause of the fire.
"This is a deeply upsetting incident and one that will cause great distress to the community, particularly to those who knew the family," he said.
"Currently there is nothing to indicate any third-party involvement in this matter and therefore we are not seeking anyone in connection to this fire at this time.
"We hope to release the wider cordon along Bonhay Road by this evening, but an inner cordon surrounding the property along with a scene guard will be in place for the next three days at least, whilst vital scene investigation work takes place."
Mr Evans added: "I don't doubt that people will wish to leave a tribute and flowers at the scene.
"I ask that at this time the public give our officers space to undertake the vital investigative work at the scene, and we will update you all over the coming days in relation to a safe space where people can leave flowers or a tribute if they wish."