Woman dies and two girls critical after house fire

Fire crews were called to the scene in Huddersfield at about 02:20 BST

A woman has died and two children are in a critical condition following a house fire in Huddersfield.

All three were taken to hospital after fire crews were called to a property on Leeds Road at about 02:20 BST.

West Yorkshire Police said the 31-year-old woman later died as a result of her injuries while two girls, aged eight and 10, were being treated for life-threatening injuries.

Officers said the fire was being treated as "suspicious" but that they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage.

Fire crews remained at the scene of the blaze on Leeds Road throughout Wednesday morning

Det Ch Insp James Entwistle said: "Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this tragic incident. Specially trained officers are supporting the family.

“Whilst we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, we are still keen to speak to anyone who was in the area this morning, who may have seen something to come forward with information."

A police cordon, stretching across several properties including a neighbouring corner shop, has been put in place with fire crews seen going in and out of the badly damaged house.

Police said the fire was being treated as "suspicious", but that they were not looking for anybody else in connection with the blaze

Elaine Childs, who lives next door to the house where the fire broke out, said she and her husband had left their home after hearing a loud bang and seeing smoke at about 02:15.

“We’re still in shock,” she said.

“The emergency services were here quickly. We had to go and stand right down the street."

Mrs Childs said she knew the family in the house where the fire broke out, describing them as “nice people”.

Another nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said she woke up to “commotion” and the emergency services outside the property where the blaze happened.

She described the woman who died as a "lovely lady".

“It’s just so sad,” she said. "The whole community is gutted. Everyone is feeling it.

“It’s a close-knit community here. Most people knew the family and would have seen the kids playing on the street.”

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