'Tragic accident' blamed for fire that killed three children

William Beale, nine, Anthony Hudson, five, and three-year-old Maddie Hudson died when a fire tore through their home in Clarence Avenue, Bridlington, a fortnight ago.

Their mother Samantha Hudson, 27, remains in a critical but stable condition in Scarborough Hospital.

Humberside Police conducted a joint investigation with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service to try to establish the cause of the blaze, and said yesterday it appeared to have been a "tragic accident".

Officers said that although the cause was yet to be found, the seat of the fire was in the front room.

"The fire appears to be a tragic accident," the police said.

"The joint investigation indicates the fire started inside the house and there is no suggestion there was a fault with the house, maintenance or building prior to the fire. The scene has now been released by police."

Fire officers said they were still awaiting the results of forensic tests and would continue to working to find the cause.

A spokesman said: "We will still try to establish exactly what it was that started the fire but we are quite happy it was an accident. As with any fire investigation we will always try to establish the exact cause."

The tragedy has led to calls from safety campaigners and senior fire officers for all new homes to be fitted with sprinkler systems. Similar legislation is due to be passed in Wales.

The bodies of the three children, who all attended Hilderthorpe Primary School, have been released by the coroner, allowing funeral arrangements to be made.

A file is being prepared for the coroner.