Four killed in Merseyside house fire

A woman and three children died in a house fire in Merseyside, emergency services confirmed. The blaze occurred at a semi-detached property in Bootle.

Fire crews were dispatched to the scene at 3:38 a.m. after receiving a 999 call. The first fire engine arrived at 3:45 a.m. to find the house "well alight." Six fire engines and eight firefighters responded to the incident.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and discovered four individuals showing no signs of life. Another person found outside the home was taken to the hospital by the North West Ambulance Service.

Neighbors reported hearing screams in the early hours of the morning and seeing smoke. "The sirens woke me up and there were fire engines in the street," one resident stated. Another said they heard "shouting in the early hours" but initially thought it was an argument.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) and Merseyside Police have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the fire. A police cordon remains in place at the scene, and a significant police presence was observed as investigators worked.

"This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured," said MFRS Area Manager Kevin Longshaw. "We will work closely with relevant colleagues to ascertain the cause of the fire."

Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle reiterated that their thoughts are with those affected and that fire crews will maintain a presence in the community. "There will now be a full joint investigation with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police into the cause of the fire," Searle added.