Murder probe as two die in fire

The two people who survived managed to escape through windows

A murder investigation is under way after two people died in a house fire in South Yorkshire.

Another two people who managed to escape from the mid-terrace property by climbing through windows are critically ill in hospital, police said.

About 25 firefighters were sent to the house in Albert Road, Sheffield, which was well alight on their arrival.

South Yorkshire Police said two people had been arrested in connection with the fire on Friday night.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said about five crews were sent to the scene after they were alerted at about 2000 GMT.

The spokesperson said the two people taken to hospital had managed to escape through windows.

Albert Road was closed for several hours while forensic investigations were carried out.

A police spokeswoman said investigations were still on-going to establish the cause of the fire.

One neighbour said people were shocked by what had happened.

He said: "I've lived here all my life... it's a quiet neighbourhood. It's not what you expect this side of town."