Hunt for clues after two people left dead by fierce blaze in semi

One person was pronounced dead at the scene in Farfield Court, Garforth, and another died in hospital after suffering serious burns.

Flames could be seen leaping from the semi-detached house as the blaze took hold at around 6.30pm yesterday.

Police, firefighters and gas board officials were at the scene last night.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Fountain, of West Yorkshire Police’s Protective Services Department, said: “We are working closely with the fire service to establish the cause of this incident.

“Enquiries are still at a very early stage, but I would ask anyone with any information to contact Leeds District CID on 101.”

One neighbour on Farfield Court said: “The house looks as if it’s black – the whole of the house at the front is black.”

She did not know who lived at the house hit by the blaze but thought they had not lived there long.

West Yorkshire Fire Service said a number of appliances had been sent to the scene and the fire had been contained in the house of origin.

The blaze and news of the subsequent deaths sparked sympathy on social media last night.

Local MP Alec Shelbrooke was among those paying tribute.

The Conservative MP for Elmet and Rothwell, which includes Garforth, wrote on Twitter.

“Terrible scenes from house fire in Garforth tonight.

“Prayers with the family. We’re a strong community and will now come together to support.

Leeds City Council’s chief executive Tom Riordan said: “Thoughts with those affected by house fire in Garforth.

Another poster tweeted: “A tragic 24 hours for the City of Leeds. A teacher stabbed to death and now two people killed in a house fire on Garforth. Thoughts to all.”

Tributes to blaze tragedy brothers: Page 7.