The Police Federation has expressed profound heartbreak for one of their own following a tragic fire that claimed the lives of his wife and two children on Boxing Day.
The devastating blaze erupted around 3 a.m. on December 26 at a residential property on Brimscombe Hill, near Stroud, Gloucestershire. Gloucestershire Police confirmed that the surviving father is a serving officer with their force.
A spokesperson for the Gloucestershire Police Federation spoke of the immense support being extended to the officer, who attempted to save his family amid the flames. “This is an unimaginable tragedy to have struck a colleague and their family. Our hearts are broken for them,” the spokesperson said. “We are offering all possible support during this deeply saddening time and are also supporting his colleagues who are similarly devastated. The entire police community and nation offer their condolences and appreciation for the support already provided.”
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The fire took the lives of the officer’s two children, a seven-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy, along with their mother.
Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher detailed the harrowing events outside the Gloucestershire Police headquarters. The officer and his wife were awakened by the fire and urgently tried to reach their children in the rear bedroom. However, they were blocked by the fire’s intensity.
“The father smashed through a bathroom window in an attempt to access the children’s bedroom from outside but was unable to enter,” said Fletcher. “He then tried to return through the bathroom but the fire had taken hold there. He attempted to force entry via the front and back doors but could not re-enter. Emergency services arrived swiftly to manage the situation.”
The fire is believed to have originated on the ground floor. Investigations into its cause are ongoing but it is currently not being treated as suspicious. The intense fire caused the roof to collapse, along with ceilings and stairs, devastating the mid-terrace Cotswold stone cottage.
Tragically, the body of a woman in her late 30s was recovered from the home, along with at least one child’s body at the scene.
Detective Superintendent Fletcher expressed the deep anguish faced by the officer, who was unable to rescue his family. “Multiple witnesses have described his distress at not being able to save his wife and children during what should have been a joyful festive period,” he said. “He is working with us to understand exactly what happened.”
Nathaniel Hooton, Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service, recalled the challenging conditions firefighters encountered. “They arrived to a well-developed, serious fire. Despite their best efforts to enter and rescue those inside, the situation was extremely difficult. Our crews continue to support the recovery and work through the tragic loss.”
This heartbreaking incident has left the police family and wider community in shock and mourning during what is typically a season of celebration.