Mother and Three Children Die in Merseyside 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.