Children shot dead as home set ablaze

POLICE are looking for the father of three children who were shot dead and left in the basement of a burning home in Detroit.

An 11-year-old girl who was also shot but survived the blaze was rushed to hospital.

The victims include three girls and a boy. Lamar Bailey, aged one, Ayana Bailey, aged three, and Antonia Bailey, aged nine, were shot dead and left in the burning building.

The fourth child, 11-year-old Shanice Bailey, survived the shooting and was rescued from the basement, but remains in a critical condition.

The children were believed to be alone in the house. Spokesman Christopher Cole said they had been staying with their father, while their parents were going through divorce proceedings.

Police believe the father, Anthony Bailey, 37, fled the scene on a bicycle after the blaze began last night. The police have urged residents to call the authorities if they see him.

Neighbours said they hadn’t seen the mother in about a month. She arrived at the scene and is now at the hospital with her surviving daughter.

Cole said it appeared the fire was initially started to cover up evidence of the murders, but added the investigation had not been completed.