Girl, 9, and her father die after Heckmondwike house fire

A nine-year-old girl and her father have died, and an 11-year-old girl is in a critical condition, following a house fire in West Yorkshire.

Emergency services were called to an ongoing fire in Russell Close, Heckmondwike, shortly after 06:10 BST on Sunday.

Despite medical attention the man was pronounced dead at the scene while the nine-year-old died in hospital later the same day, West Yorkshire Police said.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way, but police said they did not believe it to be suspicious.

Det Insp Paul Greatorex said: “We are continuing to work with colleagues at the fire service to investigate this dreadfully sad incident which has resulted in a father and daughter losing their lives.

“Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since yesterday and we have been working to locate and support relatives of the victims both here and outside of the UK at what is clearly an awful time for the family.

“While our enquiries remain ongoing we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances regarding the cause of the fire and will be preparing a file for the coroner in due course.”

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed four crews were sent to the scene on Sunday.

“Firefighters removed three people from within the property, two of whom were taken to hospital by ambulance,” a spokesperson said.

“Our fire investigators are working with police to establish the circumstances of the fire.”

Spen Valley Labour MP Kim Leadbeater said she was “deeply saddened by the tragic news”.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the family and all those affected by this unimaginable loss,” she shared in a statement.

“I know the local community will be shocked by this heart-breaking event, and I want to thank the emergency services for their swift response and the care they provided at the scene.

“I will continue to stay in close contact with the relevant authorities and offer any support I can to the family and the wider community during this very difficult time.”

Meanwhile, Heckmondwike Labour councillor Viv Kendrick said the incident had impacted family, friends and neighbours, who were just grasping what had happened.

“It was a horrifying, frightening incident,” she said.

“Russell Close is a long, straight cul-de-sac, where most people know each other.”