[10 JAN 01] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Children Critical After Coventry House Fire

A mother and her two young children are being close to death following a suspected arson attack on their Coventry home.

The fire broke out in Queen Mary’s Road in Foleshill shortly after midnight.

Fire crews were called to the blaze and the family were rescued from a downstairs room.

The two children, both girls, aged 18 months and four, have been taken to hospitals in Nottingham and Leicester for specialist treatment to their injuries.

The mother, who is aged between 35 and 40 is being looked after at the Coventry and Warwickshire hospital. All three are described as “critical”. They are all suffering from effects of smoke inhalation

Detectives and forensic officers have been examining the house to try and discover the cause of the fire.

Efforts are being made to trace the father of the family, who is currently out of the country.

DCI Bob Bird said:

“The condition of all three casualties is poorly. The children have gone to hospital in Nottingham and Leicester.”

Material has been taken from the house for forensic examination, but it is expected to be the end of the week before the cause of the fire is known.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time should call police on 024 7653 9020.