Three die in fatal house fire in Derbyshire

Three people have died in a Derbyshire blaze - the cause of which is being treated as ‘unexplained’.

Police and fire crews were called to a house in North Street, Langley Mill, at 4.04am today following reports of a fire.

A man, woman, and baby girl died following the blaze which badly damaged the house and a car parked outside.

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Investigating officers say they are ‘keeping an open mind’ as to the cause of the fire and have not ruled anything out at this early stage in the inquiry.

Police are not in a position to give any further details of those who died in the fire as they are still tracing family members, a Derbyshire Police spokesman said.

Fire crews from Heanor, Ilkeston, Eastwood and Ripley were called out to the incident along with a high-rise ladder appliance from Ascot Drive station, in Derby.

Neighbours claimed there were desperate attempts to rescue the casualties from the three-story building and unconfirmed reports have suggested a car fire may have spread to the property involved.

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A police spokesman said: “Several neighbouring properties have been evacuated as the fire caused a gas leak. Police understand engineers are working to fix the leak.”

John Dunkley, a watch manager with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, tweeted: “Terrible night shift. Thoughts with all personnel from all emergency services involved at Langley Mill this morning.”

A fire service spokesman said two people from the property affected by the fire and a further three residents from adjacent flats had managed to escape the blaze.

A Derbyshire fire service spokesman said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family and friends of the deceased.”

Several neighbouring properties were evacuated.

Anyone with information should call Derbyshire Police on 101.