Three die in mobile home blaze

Two children, aged one and six, and their mother have died in a fire at their mobile home in England.

The 36-year-old woman’s husband and their eldest son were also treated for burns following the blaze at The Plantation in West Park Road, Newchapel, Surrey, during the early hours of this morning.

Ian Ray, assistant group commander of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed the ages of those who died and said that although the incident had been scaled down, the cause of the fire was still under investigation.

The privately owned site, used by members of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain — travelling showmen who make their livelihoods through funfairs — was in mourning yesterday following news of the deaths, guild president David Wallis said.

The 70-year-old said he knew of the family and that the man and woman had been married for “quite some time”.

He said the couple’s 10-year-old son was in hospital being treated for burns and added: “It’s a terrible thing and all the members of the Guild throughout the country send their condolences out to the family.”

Wallis said that the Guild’s benevolent fund would take care of the financial side of things and that two representatives had gone to the site to assist the family in any way they could.

He said he had received phonecalls from members across the country offering help.

“We are a travelling fairground community, a regulated body and very well organised and accepted throughout the country,” said Wallis.

“We are quite a close community and the families living on the site are all very close and will be looking after those affected.”

Three crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were called at 1.37am.

A fire service spokesman said: “Sadly, two children and one woman have died.

“A man and another child were also treated for burn injuries at the scene and the child has since been taken to East Surrey Hospital.

“Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey Police are carrying out a joint investigation and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this tragic time.”