Investigation launched after police detective and sons die in house blaze

The bodies of Heather Bickley, 46, six-year-old Oscar and Felix, 10, were recovered from their home in Anglesey on Tuesday night following the blaze.

North Wales Police, for which Mrs Bickley worked as a detective constable, is investigating the cause with the fire service.

Officers are keeping an open mind but sources said the blaze did not appear to be suspicious.

Mrs Bickley's husband John, who is being comforted by family and friends, was not in the property at the time.

Police have not confirmed reports he arrived at the scene shortly after the fire brigade and was injured as he tried to rescue his family.

Emergency crews were called by neighbours in Tyn-y-Gongl, near Marianglas, at around 12.50am and found the dormer bungalow well alight.

Oscar's body was found shortly afterwards but firefighters were initially unable to enter the building to establish if his mother and brother were also inside. Their remains could not be removed until the house had been made structurally safe.

It is understood the blaze was so severe the roof collapsed and scaffolding workers were called in to help support the walls and enable the search to continue.

In a tribute from the force, Chief Supt Mark Jones said Mrs Bickley was a "trusted, respected and experienced" officer who had served with the police since 1994.

She had worked in Bangor, Holyhead and Amlwch but, since 2000, had been involved in child protection with the force's public protection unit (PPU).

He said: "During her time with the PPU, Heather was an integral part of a dedicated team responsible for safeguarding children, a role she assumed with passion.

"Our thoughts are with her husband John and her family at this sad time.

"She and her children will be sorely missed by her friends, colleagues and members of the local community."

Headteacher Ann Hughes at the boys' school, Ysgol Goronwy Owen, Benllech, said: "As you can imagine, it is a great shock and loss to the school and the community. Our thoughts are of two very dear and likeable young boys, who have been taken from us in such tragic circumstances. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family."

Coroner's officers removed the bodies from the burnt-out shell of the house last night.

Neighbours spoke of their shock and sadness the young family had been devastated.

One woman wept as she said: "They had only been here a few months and we hardly had time to get to know them.

"They were lovely. It makes me so sad that Heather and the boys have gone."

Retired teacher Terence Brockley, 72, added that the tragedy would affect everyone in the village.