Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Two people arrested over UK house fire that killed four children

Emergency services were called to the blaze in the Highfields area of Stafford at 2.40am on Tuesday.

Stafford house fire The four children believed to have died in the Staffordshire house fire this week Staffordshire Police Staffordshire Police

TWO PEOPLE HAVE been arrested following a house fire in Staffordshire in the UK which killed four children. 

Emergency services were called to the blaze in the Highfields area of Stafford at 2.40am on Tuesday.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that four children lost their lives in the fire. 

The children have yet to be formally identified but police said they are believed to be Riley Holy (8), Keegan Unitt (6), Tilly Rose Unitt (4) and Olly Unitt (3). 

A woman aged 24 and a man aged 28 escaped the fire with a two-year-old boy. 

All three were taken to hospital, but their injuries were not life-threatening. The man was being treated for burns and the woman was being treated for smoke inhalation.

Today, a woman (24) and a man (28) have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence. 

The arrests were made at around 1.30pm and the man and the woman remain in custody.

“This incident has had a huge impact on the community and we understand there will be confusion and demand for information,” Staffordshire Police said in a statement. 

“However, we would urge people not to speculate as to what may have happened and appeal for patience as the investigation continues.” 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
9 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute j4VEpUO8
    Favourite j4VEpUO8
    Report
    Feb 8th 2019, 8:58 PM

    Very Sad…RIP.

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ✨Barbara Christopher
    Favourite ✨Barbara Christopher
    Report
    Feb 8th 2019, 10:44 PM

    If they ask us not to speculate, then close the comments.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerrie Roche
    Favourite Kerrie Roche
    Report
    Feb 9th 2019, 12:20 AM

    Heartbreaking

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jane
    Favourite Jane
    Report
    Feb 8th 2019, 8:38 PM

    @Deirdre McDonnell: what would be motivation?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Of a break. Of a Kitkat.
    Favourite Of a break. Of a Kitkat.
    Report
    Feb 8th 2019, 8:48 PM

    @Jane: why would there be a motive if they were arrested on suspicion of man slaughter by gross negligence?

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deirdre McDonnell
    Favourite Deirdre McDonnell
    Report
    Feb 8th 2019, 10:32 PM

    @Jane: because one of his older posts was giving out about the council refusing to give them a bigger house. Maybe I am wrong here but I doubt it. Now both their facebook pages are private.

    22
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lyndsy Ní Éalaithe
    Favourite Lyndsy Ní Éalaithe
    Report
    Feb 10th 2019, 7:53 PM

    @the druid: really????

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds