Man arrested after children killed in fire

A 21-year-old man was arrested today after two children died following a blaze at their home in Britain.

A 10-year-old girl and her eight-year-old brother were killed when fire swept through their end-of-terrace home in Bradford in the early hours of the morning.

Their mother was “screaming and shouting” outside the house as desperate efforts to reach her children were in vain, according to a neighbour.

The 30-year-old woman, who has not been named, was taken to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield with “life-threatening” injuries, said West Yorkshire Police.

The house and surrounding properties in Hendford Drive were cordoned off by police this morning as crime scene officers carried out forensic investigations.

The two-storey end-terrace house was blackened by the blaze and all its windows were smashed.

Police said the girl was pronounced dead at the scene and her brother died shortly after he arrived at hospital.

Their mother was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary before being transferred.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Bill Shackleton said: “Two young children have lost their lives and it is crucial we establish how and why the fire started.

“I would particularly like to speak to anyone who may have information anyone buying petrol in small cans in the Bradford area either yesterday evening or into the early hours of this morning.”