Fire mother 'did all she could'

The bodies of Lewis and Taylor Jenkins were found inside the house

A 29-year-old mother whose two young sons died in a fire in Eastbourne, Sussex, "did everything she could" to save them, her solicitor has said.

Denise Goldsmith, of Milfoil Drive, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and child neglect, before being bailed.

Lewis Jenkins, seven, and his brother Taylor, five, died in the fire at their terraced house on Saturday.

Through her solicitor, Justin Rivett, Miss Goldsmith said she wanted to set the record straight.

He said Miss Goldsmith had "fully participated" in the investigation into the blaze and "categorically denies" being in any way responsible for the fire.

In a statement, he added: "There was no evidence to suggest that Miss Goldsmith left by the front door or that she locked herself out of the house, or that she was asleep when the fire started.

"The truth is, she did everything she could to save her sons. Two male neighbours also tried in vain to rescue them."

"She is a young woman who cherished her children and is now left devastated by their loss.

"She and her family are trying to come to terms with what has happened. It is difficult to envisage a more tragic situation."

'Inhaled fire fumes'

Ms Goldsmith visited the scene on Sunday to lay flowers.

She had to be restrained from entering the burnt-out property by her family.

Her sons died from inhaling fire fumes, post-mortem examinations revealed.

The incident is being investigated by detectives and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Sussex Police are not treating the fire, which broke out at about 1500 BST, as arson.