FOUR children have tragically lost their lives in a horrific house fire in Stafford this morning.
Emergency services were called to reports of a blaze on Sycamore Lane in the Highfields area of the West Midlands town at around 2.40am.
When firefighters arrived, three survivors - two adults and a child - had already managed to escape their burning home through a window.
The trio were rushed to hospital but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Images from the scene show part of the property's roof collapsed during the inferno, while the first floor was completely gutted.
Staffordshire Police confirmed four children had died and said their thoughts were with the family involved.
It is with great sadness we can confirm the deaths of four children at a house fire in Highfields, Stafford, in the early hours of this morning (Feb 5). More information here - https://t.co/sFfDVWuAOH pic.twitter.com/ocD5uNHlcB
— Staffordshire Police (@StaffsPolice) 5 February 2019
"At 2:40am this morning police officers and colleagues from the fire and ambulance services attended a serious house fire in the Highfields area of Stafford," a spokesperson said.
"A search at the property in Sycamore Lane is ongoing, but it is with great sadness we can confirm the deaths of four children at the property.
"Two adults and another child are being treated in hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
"Colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are examining the scene as the investigation into the cause of the fire begins.
"Our thoughts are with the family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time."
Our thoughts are with the family of those involved in this awful tragic incident. We’ll be carrying out a joint fire investigation into the cause of the fire with @StaffsPolice https://t.co/nVqzqDmHcx
— Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service (@StaffsFire) 5 February 2019
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with the family of those involved in this awful tragic incident.
"We'll be carrying out a joint fire investigation into the cause of the fire with Staffordshire Police."
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said of the survivors: "All three patients were assessed and treated on scene by ambulance staff for non-life threatening injuries before being taken to hospital for further care.
"Our thoughts are with the family at this exceptionally difficult time."
The deaths of four children at a house fire in Highfields this morning is unbelieveably tragic. My deepest sympathies and prayers go to their families. @CarolynTrowbrid also sends her thoughts and sympathies. Thanks to all of the emergency services dealing with this tragedy.
— Jeremy Lefroy (@JeremyLefroy) 5 February 2019
Meanwhile, local MP Jeremy Lefroy tweeted: "The deaths of four children at a house fire in Highfields this morning is unbelieveably tragic.
"My deepest sympathies and prayers go to their families. @CarolynTrowbrid also sends her thoughts and sympathies.
"Thanks to all of the emergency services dealing with this tragedy."
Absolutely heart breaking. Thoughts are with the family and friends of the precious lives that have been lost. Thoughts also with my colleagues in the police and fire who have been working at this tragic incident. https://t.co/2fOKBlYi15
— CI John Owen (@NorthStokeNPT) 5 February 2019
Also taking to Twitter, Chief Inspector John Owen of Staffordshire Police expressed his sadness at the "tragic incident" this morning.
He wrote: "Absolutely heart breaking. Thoughts are with the family and friends of the precious lives that have been lost.
"Thoughts also with my colleagues in the police and fire who have been working at this tragic incident."
