Two die in house blaze

The three-storey house was destroyed by fire

Two hotel workers have died in a fire thought to have been started by a candle.

The bodies of a man and woman were found by fire-fighters tackling the blaze at a house in May Terrace, Sidmouth, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Another man managed to escape the fire, which is believed to have been caused by a candle left on top of a television set.

The fire gutted the first and second floors and roof of the property, which was not fitted with smoke alarms.

This is one tragedy that could have been avoided

Peter Denford
Fire Officer

Divisional Fire Officer Peter Denford said: "This is one tragedy that could have been avoided."

The victims worked at the Belmont Hotel in Sidmouth.

A spokesman described their deaths as a "tragedy".

They have not yet been identified until their relatives have been informed.

Mr Denford said the victims had been on separate floors when the fire started, just after 0300GMT.

"They got up and realised there was a fire and tried to escape, but unfortunately did not make it," he said.

"They tried to warn each other and if they had had a bit more early warning such as a smoke alarm, perhaps they would have got out."

He said the most likely cause of the fire was a candle which was left alight and burned into the television.

"If you're going to light candles at Christmas make sure you put them out before you go to bed," Mr Denford said.