Investigations continue into fatal house fire

Investigations are continuing after a mother and three children died in a house fire on Merseyside.

Another casualty who was outside the property in Stone Square in Bootle, Sefton, when fire crews arrived during the early hours of Tuesday was taken to hospital.

The Bishop of Liverpool the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley and Bishop of Warrington the Rt Rev Simon Robinson said they are "deeply saddened to hear of the devastating incident".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time," they added.

Six fire engines were called out at the height of the blaze at the semi-detached property.

Firefighters searched the house where they discovered four people in an upstairs bedroom who were showing no signs of life, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said.

A joint investigation involving Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is expected to continue into this afternoon.

Dozens of tributes including cards, flowers, candles, teddy bears and pink and blue star-shaped balloons have been laid on the pavement next to the cordon.

Kevin Longshaw, area manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, described it as a devastating incident, and their thoughts were very much with the family and friends of those who had lost their lives and been injured.

He said they would work closely with relevant colleagues to determine the cause of the fire.