Two young children have been found dead after a serious house fire in Merryweather Close in the early hours of this morning (Saturday).
Firefighters called to the scene at around 6:30am report finding a “very severe” fire on the first floor and roof space of an end-of-terrace three bedroom property in the cul-de-sac off Brook Way.
An Avon Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said that two adults and three children had escaped from the building before crews arrived but two young children were believed to be still inside.
Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus and fire fighting jets entered the building but were unable to save the two children, said by neighbours to be aged five and seven.
The cul-de-sac remains closed with police officers guarding the vehicle and pedestrian entrances while fire investigators work to establish the cause.
The fire service spokesperson said a report from the scene would be broadcast on tonight’s BBC Points West television news.
Above: Fire investigators at work in Merryweather Close.
Above: Police road block at the junction of Merryweather Close and Brook Way.
Avon and Somerset Police have issued a statement on the incident.
All my respect to them.
RIP little ones.
The Sunday Express has named the deceased children as Mackenzie and Charlie Whitton, aged seven and five.
Read more: Brothers die as parents flee house blaze
The BBC has updated its website article with comments from Home Group housing association, which owns the properties affected by the blaze.
Read more: Bristol house fire that killed two boys investigated
God such a sad loss my deepest condolences to the family.
Sincere condolences to the family. May God give them strength to cope with this colossal loss.
In today’s Bristol Evening Post: Neighbours fought in vain to save children who died in Bristol house fire
Avon and Somerset Police have issued a statement from the bereaved family.
A BBC website article has quotes from the headteacher of the school attended by the two boys who tragically died in Saturday’s blaze.
“Our staff at Stoke Lodge Primary School are deeply saddened by the loss of Charlie, who was a pupil at our school and Mckenzie, who recently moved schools.”
Read more: Bristol fire deaths: Mckenzie and Charlie Whitton named
The Bristol Evening Post has speculated today that “smoke alarms at the house may not have gone off after the fire started”: Heartbroken parents pay tribute to ‘little angels’ who died in Bristol house fire
Today’s Bristol Evening Post: Bristol house fire that killed two young children ‘was not suspicious’