An inquest has been scheduled to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Fionnghuala Shearman, 38, and her two children, Eve, 7, and Ohner, 4, who all perished in a tragic house fire on Boxing Day. The blaze destroyed their home, a mid-terrace Cotswold stone cottage on Brimscombe Hill near Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Police officer Tom Shearman, the children’s father, heroically tried to rescue his family but was overwhelmed by the intense flames. Despite breaking a bathroom window in an effort to reach their bedroom, he was unable to gain access to the children. The fire’s severity also prevented him from opening doors or re-entering the property.
Emergency services arrived around 3 a.m. after the household was awakened by the fire. Initial investigations indicate the fire started on the ground floor. Authorities do not currently suspect foul play, but an inquiry into the exact cause remains ongoing.
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The fire caused extensive damage, destroying the roof, ceilings, stairs, and large portions of the interior. The inquest into the deaths will open at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Monday, January 12, at 1 p.m., aiming to provide answers for the grieving family and community.