Three men charged over fatal house fire

Peter Eyre, 43, and Anthony Eyre, 21, both from Sandiacre, and Simon Eyre, 24, from Long Eaton, have each been charged with three counts of murder, Derbyshire Police said.

Teenage friends Edward Green and Amy Smith, and her six-and-a-half-month-old daughter Ruby-Grace Gaunt, died when a fire broke out in Langley Mill in the early hours of Sunday.

Peter and Anthony Eyre, both of Central Avenue, and Simon Eyre, of New Tythe Street, will be kept in police custody until an appearance before magistrates in Chesterfield tomorrow.

A 17-year-old youth from Long Eaton who was also arrested in connection with the blaze has been released on bail.

The victims of the fire were all pronounced dead at the scene after suffering smoke inhalation.

Ms Smith, 17, lived at the property in North Street, Langley Mill, with her baby daughter while Mr Green, also 17, lived in Belper.

The fire is believed to have started at around 4am on Sunday.

Specialist fire investigation officers have said they are working with police to ascertain the cause of the blaze.

In a statement, Derbyshire’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson said the deaths had had a huge impact on the fire and rescue service.

“The fire service works tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone in the community and for firefighters who worked in exceptionally difficult conditions to try and rescue the deceased, it is extremely difficult to accept this tragic loss of life,” Mr Tomlinson said.

“The thoughts of everyone within the fire and rescue service are with both families at this sad time.”

Anyone with information to assist the inquiry is urged to call Derbyshire Constabulary on 101 or the Crimestoppers service on 0800 555 111.