Three children and a 29-year-old woman have died in a house fire and a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police were called to the fire on Westbury Road, Bradford, at 2.07am this morning.
The three children – two girls aged nine and one, and a five-year-old boy – were taken to hospital but died from their injuries.
The 29-year-old woman died at the scene.
A man, 39, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital with critical injuries.
A woman who lives nearby told the Telegraph & Argus: ‘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.’
Another local resident reported hearing what sounded like a panic alarm during the time of the fire and then saw blue lights flashing.
Many in the area have described what has happened as ‘awful’ and horrendous’.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson 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.
‘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.’
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