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DEADLY BLAZE
Mum & three kids aged one, five and 9, killed when ‘deliberate’ blaze engulfed their home as man arrested over ‘murder’
Heartbreaking photos showed the toys of the children strewn across the back garden
A MUM and her three kids have been killed after a "deliberate" fire tore through their home - as a man is held on suspicion of murder.
The parent, 29, her two girls aged nine and one, and five-year-old son have tragically died in the horror blaze in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
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The childrens' distraught dad is being comforted by family liaison officers.
It comes after emergency services rushed to the house fire on Westbury Road in at 2.07am.
The mum was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Her three children – two girls aged nine and one, and a five-year-old boy - were taken to hospital.
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Sadly all three have died from the injuries they suffered in the fire, police said.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital with critical injuries, the force added.
An initial investigation showed the fire in Bradford was deliberately set and is believed to be a domestic-related crime, police said.
Heartbreaking photos today showed the toys of the children and damaged furniture strewn across the back garden.
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Charred out windows and doors also revealed a scene of devastation following the blaze at the semi-detached property.
A floral tribute saying "Have fun in heaven, we will miss you" has been left at the scene. The heartbreaking note, placed atop a set of purple and white flowers, was put outside the remains of the property following the blaze in the early hours of this morning.
Neighbours on Westbury Road reported hearing ";screams" coming from the home after around five fire engines and a dozen ambulances arrived just after 2am.
Others saw smoke "billowing out of the house" and smelled "burned rubber" as the property went up in flames.
One neighbour, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "'Flames and smoke were coming out of house. We were shocked.
"There was really thick smoke coming up 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."
"My husband went up the street to see if he could help. He could see it was a house fire as there were flames and smoke coming out of it. The fire was blazing.
"But firefighters and police told him to stand back and not put himself in danger. There were other residents trying to help too.
"He said he'd seen two firefighters run into the home."
Another local resident, who didn't want to be named, said: "There was a large police presence. I believe at least 15 police vehicles were there.
"I also saw about six ambulances and at least four or five fire engines. I think it could have been a serious house fire.
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"We live down the street and we're near the scene. It's still all blocked off this morning."
A further resident said: "It woke me up. I heard the sirens at 2am or 3am in the morning.
"Smoke was billowing out of the house. I knew something had happened and it was not good. There was a bad smell. It smelled like burned rubber."
Other locals revealed their horror at the loss of the four people in the fire.
They said: "I did wake up and I saw all police incident vans. My nephew, who lives opposite, rang the fire brigade.
"He also rang me to tell me he was all right. It's a terrible thing to happen. It's just awful and horrendous."
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team at West Yorkshire Police 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."
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She added: "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."
Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is asked to contact police.
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