Man arrested on suspicion of murder after a baby and toddler die in Nottingham flat fire

20 November 2022, 19:23 | Updated: 20 November 2022, 22:41

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a baby and toddler were killed in a house fire early on Sunday morning.

The children – aged just three and one – were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by emergency services after the fire broke out just after 3.17am.

They were then transferred to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, where the children later died.

Their woman, who is believed to be in her 30s, was also rescued from the first-floor flat alongside the infants and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The 31-year-old man, also believed to be from Clifton, remains in custody.

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Nottingham police believe the fire, which broke out on Fairlisle Close, Clifton, was started deliberately.

The scene remains cordoned off by police, with forensic units now in place at the property.

Det Ch Insp Greg McGill of Nottinghamshire Police said: "These are tragic and very sad circumstances and my thoughts are with the family of those involved.

"Following a joint investigation with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service we have established that the fire was started deliberately.

"We are appealing for witnesses who were in the area at that time and saw something suspicious to please come forward and help us with the investigation."

Flames were finally extinguished just after 4am after neighbouring residents were evacuated.

Chris Clark, from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: "Alongside the police we will now investigate the cause of this fire and tragic loss of life.

"We recognise what has happened will be deeply distressing for the local community, and we will be in the area to offer reassurance to residents over the coming days."