House fire that killed four children believed to be accidental

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service say that a house fire in Stafford which killed four children was accidental and caused by smoking materials.

The fire broke out on 5th February 2019 at a house in Sycamore Drive.

It killed Riley John Holt, aged 8, Keegan Jonathan Unitt, aged 6, Tilly Rose Unitt, aged 4, and Olly Unitt aged 3.

A 30-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were arrested following the fire.

No further action will be taken against them.

Detective Inspector Alan Lyford, of Staffordshire Police, who has led the investigation, said: “We appreciate this has been a lengthy process, but it was right and proper that this investigation was a thorough and complex one given the dreadful loss of four young lives.

“This tragic case has deeply affected the local community, who have rallied round to support the family. We would again like to thank the community for their patience and support.”

The inquest into the deaths of the four children who lost their lives will take place later this year.