Elderly couple from Hull left devastated as they lose home of 46 years in fire

An elderly couple have lost everything after a devastating fire rippedthrough their home in Bransholme in Hull last Friday (May 01).

Val and Charlie Quest saw 46 years of memories go up in smoke duringthe blaze which destroyed six houses in Stroud Crescent East.

The couple, aged 71 and 83, had lived at number 316 since 1974.

They escaped the house with only the clothes they were wearing whenthe fire broke out on Friday (May 01).

Mrs Quest said: "We are OK but devastated that we lost everythingexcept what we were stood up in.

"My house is the only one that nothing was salvageable. The whole house gone.

“I’m absolutely devastated. I just don’t know what we’re going to do,that’s all I can say.”

The true extent of the damage can be seen here in a series ofharrowing photographs taken from inside their home.

The couple have now been separated for the first time in years aftertemporarily moving in with relatives nearby, who have set up a Go FundMe page for them.

Mrs Quest has moved in with their daughter and grandaughter, and herhusband has moved in with their son while they await another adaptedcouncil house.

Savannah Quest-Page, the couple's grand-daughter, said she isheartbroken for her grandparents.

The 22-year-old said: "My heart is broken for my nana and grandad. 46years of memories gone.

"She is just so sad. Everything has gone and it’s not about thethings, she knows that but all the memories.

"My grandad is so sad, he just keep crying. He’s living with my uncleand my nana with me and my mum - her daughter.

"It’s the worst house. Nothing salvageable.

"Nana and Grandad are out and that’s the main thing."

The couple were alerted to the fire after a neighbour, nine-year-oldLucy Mattinson, spotted the flames and alerted her mum and dad, Claireand Gaz - who then helped get the couple to safety.

In total, nine households have been forced out of their homes by thedevastating fire.

Among the victims are a couple with three teenage daughters, a couplewith four young children, a couple with three young girls and a womanwho lived alone.

Homes have been completely destroyed with pictures showing theirreparable damage it caused to properties, ripping through the outerwalls and leaving charred interiors exposed.

At the time, it is believed 100 residents who live nearby were told toleave their homes for their own safety, and although there were nofatalities or injuries, the fire has left a grim legacy.

Hull City Council says all residents who have been affected have beentemporarily housed but the long-term picture is still unclear.

Police continue to work to establish the cause of the blaze.

On Monday, Humberside Police confirmed two boys, aged 11 and 12, hadbeen arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life.

They have since been released under investigation.

Anyone with information about the fire should call police on 101.