Three die in house fire

An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun

Three family members, including a four-month-old baby boy, have died in a house fire in South Yorkshire.

Police say the fire claimed the lives of a 23-year-old woman, her 16-year-old brother-in-law and her baby son at the semi-detached home in James Street, Masborough, of Rotherham.

They died despite the efforts of a neighbour who tried to force his way into the house.

South Yorkshire Police say it is too early to rule out suspicious circumstances.

Fire crews were called to the fire at 0230 BST on Tuesday.

Martyn Eastman, divisional officer for South Yorkshire fire service said: "By the time the fire crews arrived, the front downstairs of the house was well alight.

I got two feet into the house, but could not go any further because of thick black smoke

Ilyas Ali, neighbour

"The crews were told there were some people trapped inside and attempts were made to rescue them in very difficult circumstances."

He said it was impossible to say how the fire started or whether it was deliberate.

It was believed to have begun downstairs in the living room.

Mr Eastman said the walls of the house were lined with timber which aided the rapid spread of the fire.

The house had not been fitted with a smoke alarm which could have saved lives, he added.

Smashed windows

Neighbour Ilyas Ali, 29, said: "I was watching TV when I heard the windows smash.

"I looked out and saw the house ablaze.

"I kicked the kitchen door in but to no avail. I got two feet into the house, but could not go any further because of thick black smoke."

Another child and the father of the children are also believed to live at the address.

Family devastated

Police expect to reveal the identities of the deceased after postmortem examinations have been completed.

A statement from the family said: "Our family is totally devastated by the loss of a mother, brother and son.

"These are tragic circumstances and at the moment we are trying to come to terms with what has happened and mourn our tragic loss."

Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing.