Woman and child killed after becoming trapped in burning Essex home

Pic:emergency services at the scene of a house fire in Braintree, Essex, which claimed the lives of a woman and a child
Staff reporter(wp/es):

A woman and child have been killed after becoming trapped in a burning house in Essex.

The detached home in Braintree was completely ablaze when fire crews were called to the scene on Wednesday night.

Two women were able to escape before fire crews arrived but a third woman and a child, the age of whom is not yet known, were stuck inside the burning building.

Firefighters were not able to rescue them and they died in the blaze on South Street.

The surviving women were treated for smoke inhalation but are expected to make full recoveries.

Police were also called to the scene and are launching a joint investigation with the fire service into the cause of the blaze.

Images released by Essex Fire and Rescue Service (EFRS) have revealed the devastating impact of the fire, with the red brick property left blackened by the heat of the flames.

Fire crews were called at 10.45pm, along with ambulances and police officers including the Essex force’s helicopter. 

The fire was extinguished by 1.24am but firefighters remained at the property dampening down "hotspots". 

An EFRS spokesman said: "Unfortunately it has now been confirmed that two people died in the house fire. An investigation into the cause will take place this morning.”

The busy road where the fire broke out has been closed as the investigation begins.

The town’s Conservative MP James Cleverly has spoken of his shock at the tragic double death. 

He said: “It is such sad and shocking news when members of a young family lose their life in any circumstances and at any time but obviously under these circumstances, just before Christmas, it’s absolutely tragic. 

“I was contacted this morning by my local police chief to be informed of the circumstances and obviously I am not going to get into any of those details now.

“I will be speaking later on in more detail with both the police and the local fire chief." 

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "Police are working with the fire service to investigate the cause of the fire in which a woman and child have died.

"Emergency services were called shortly before 10.45pm yesterday to reports of a fire at a house in South Street, Braintree.

"Officers, a police helicopter, the fire service and ambulance service attended.

"Two women had managed to get out of the property before emergency services arrived. They were taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.

“Sadly a woman and a child were trapped inside and died at the scene. 

"Police and the fire service will carry out a joint investigation. The road is currently closed.”