Mother of little 'angels' killed in suspected arson attack on city home dies in hospital

Iram Shah, 30, was critically injured in the blaze in Hendford Drive, Bradford, in the early hours of last Tuesday.

She died in Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield.

Her children Alina Shah, 10, and eight-year-old Aman, died after being trapped in the house.

Yesterday at Bradford Crown Court, Asjid Mahmood, 21, was told he will now face a third murder charge.

Mahmood, 21, was charged with the murder of Alina and her brother Aman after they died from the effects of smoke following the fierce blaze at their home.

Mahmood made his first appearance before a judge at Bradford Crown Court yesterday and special case work lawyer Malcolm Taylor informed the Recorder of Bradford, Judge James Stewart, QC, the children's mother had died.

"The Crown intend to add to the indictment, as and when it is lodged, a count of murder in respect of that lady," said Mr Taylor.

Mahmood, of Pollard Lane, Undercliffe, Bradford, sat with his arms folded through most of the 15-minute hearing and Judge Stewart told him that he would be brought back to the court on October 8 for a plea and case management hearing.

The trial was listed to start at Bradford Crown Court on January 4.

Mahmood was remanded back into custody, but his barrister Yunus Valli told Judge Stewart an application for bail would be made at a later date.

An 18-year-old man arrested in connection with the blaze remains on bail.

The children's aunt, Nadia Naqui, said the youngsters had had high hopes for the future. Speaking at an earlier press conference, she said: "Aman and Alina made me the proudest auntie in the world as they were truly angels in every sense.

"Aman aspired to be a footballer and Lina a doctor and will never have the chance to fulfil their dreams. They were bright and talented and, most importantly, good kids."

Alina was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire and Aman was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at hospital.