Bridlington in mourning after three children die in fire (Video)

A COMMUNITY is in shock and mourning after a house fire claimed the lives of three young children as it tore through their East Yorkshire home. Neighbours and the emergency services fought in vain to revive the youngsters in the street after they were pulled from their home in Bridlington "like little rag dolls".

They died in Scarborough Hospital a short time later, where their mother Samantha Hudson was last night in a "serious" condition.

Police named her children as Maddie Hudson, three, Anthony Hudson, five, and nine-year-old William Beale. It is not known whether the 27-year-old mother has been informed of their deaths.

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The children's grandmother thanked friends, family and neighbours for their "fantastic support.

Three-year-old Maddie Hudson, Anthony Hudson, five, and William Beale, nine, died in the blaze in Clarence Avenue, Bridlington.

Sharon Hudson said her daughter remained in a stable condition.

She said: "She is still stable, that is all we know. We would like to thank friends, family and neighbours for their fantastic support at this time."

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The front of the burnt-out house was boarded up by workmen and about a dozen floral tributes were present at the scene on Saturday morning.

A teddy bear had also been left at the front of the house, which remained cordoned off.

Fire crews and police were called to the house in Clarence Avenue at 11.58pm on Thursday after neighbours reported hearing a "bang" and saw thick smoke streaming from the three-storey property.

Residents reported seeing flames shooting from the top of house and were repeatedly beaten back by the force of the blaze as they attempted to get inside to rescue the family.

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Supt Mike Duggleby, of Humberside Police, paid tribute to those who had taken part in the desperate effort to save the children, who were brought out of the house by firefighters.

"Our hearts go out to the family, friends and neighbours who knew the family and the many neighbours who came out to assist us and try to attempt a rescue last night. I personally want to thank them for their bravery and courage."

Nurse Lesley Salisbury wept as she recalled running out into the street in her dressing gown to try to revive one of the boys. "I heard a bang and I looked out the window and thought it was severe fog, then I saw flames coming out of the bay window.

"All I can remember is the firemen bringing the little boy out. I can't remember any more but I was told I worked on him for an hour. Some of the neighbours said I worked on the other two as well but I don't really remember. I do remember the firefighters bringing them out, they were like little rag dolls.

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"We tried so hard but to be perfectly honest he was gone when they brought him out."

She added: "The little girl used to play with my little dog, she used to cuddle him. She was a dear little girl, it's such a dreadful tragedy."

Lisa Thomson, 28, whose son Tyran, five, was in the same class as Anthony, described Ms Salisbury as the "pride of Bridlington" for what she had done.

"Last night was just horrific," she added. "I didn't sleep a wink, I couldn't leave my kids. I've just cried all day."

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Pupils at the school the children attended were informed of the tragedy in assembly yesterday.

Headteacher of Hilderthorpe Primary School Sue Everson said: "Staff and pupils have been devastated by this news and we ask that our pupils and their families are allowed time to come to terms with this tragic incident. We of course send our condolences and deepest sympathy to the children's family and friends at this sad time."

The vicar of Emmanuel Church in the town has invited people to light candles and pray for the family.

The Rev Chris McCarthy said: "Everyone I've spoken to today has been shocked and distressed about the fire and the death of the three children.

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"After such a traumatic event we want to make Emmanuel Church available as a space for people to come and pray for the family."

Neighbours said they thought the family had lived in the property for about six weeks.

Rosimaria Gollop, 38, said she did not think life in the cul-de-sac would ever be the same.

"I just can't bear it," she said. "They were nice and friendly, lovely children. We live in such a lovely street and this street is never going to be the same.

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Police and firefighters have launched a joint investigation to try to establish the cause of the blaze, which destroyed the property, although it is not thought to have been started deliberately. The fire is believed to have started in the downstairs living room while the family were on the upper floors.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw the family prior to the fire on Thursday night. Anyone with information can call 0845 6060 222.

Tireless work to revive Victims

Firefighters described the blaze and the conditions in the house as among the most difficult they have encountered.

Mark Rhodes, head of operations at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This was probably the most difficult and challenging type of incident we can ever expect to deal with.

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"I don't think anybody in their career ever expects to face the trauma of a fire involving children and the very difficult working conditions of last night.

"The extent of the fire damage is considerable, the property was very heavily smoke-logged when fire crews arrived.

"Breathing apparatus teams were inside the building within five minutes. They carried out a very thorough search of the building and recovered casualties from the upper floors.

"The casualties were brought outside the building and both fire crews and neighbours worked tirelessly on carrying out resuscitation alongside the paramedics."