Woman and two boys killed in fire

There were 12 people in the house at the time of the fire

A 19-year-old woman and her two younger brothers have died following a house fire in east Manchester.

Carly Swift died soon after the blaze swept through the family's three-storey townhouse on Ashton Old Road, Openshaw, in the early hours.

Her brothers, aged eight and 14, died later on Thursday. Both suffered 90% burns in the fire.

A joint police and fire investigation is taking place into the cause of the blaze, a police spokesman said.

Three adults and nine children were in the house when fire broke out at about 0500 BST.

Police said all three adults and six of the children were taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary and Tameside Hospital suffering burns and the effects of smoke inhalation.

The children's parents are being treated at Tameside Hospital.

This is an awful tragedy and our thoughts are with the family and their friends Commander Bill Harrop, Greater Manchester Fire Service

Their father received 20% burns and their mother was suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.

Neighbours said fire was "billowing" from the windows from all directions as the children's mother was seen screaming in the street crying for help.

One woman said: "The mother managed to get out with three of her children but she was screaming and shouting as some of the others were still inside."

"Everyone did what they could to get them out but the flames were billowing everywhere from the house. It was a terrible scene."

Neighbours 'brilliant'

Forensic officers from Greater Manchester Police spent the day at the house examining the scene as part of the joint investigation with the fire service.

Borough Commander Bill Harrop, of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said it was too early to say what had caused the blaze, which ripped through the first and second floors.

"We are looking at all possible options," he added.

"I have to say the neighbours were brilliant. They did all that could be expected.

"This is an awful tragedy and our thoughts are with the family and their friends."

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