A MUM and three children who were killed in a fire after an inferno tore through a family home have been named and pictured.
Elisha Brabin, 36, Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin were named as the victims of the tragic blaze by Merseyside Police.
Emergency services, including six fire engines, descended on a semi-detached property on Stone Square in Bootle, Merseyside at around 3.45am yesterday.
Fire crews arrived to find the property “well-alight” before they bravely entered to search for people inside.
The fire service said in a statement that the victims were tragically found in an upstairs bedroom showing “no signs of life.”
An injured man who was outside the house when fire crews arrived at the scene remains in hospital at this time.
In a tribute issued today, the family said: “Our whole family is devastated by the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence.
“Elisha was our beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunty, niece and cousin. She was a devoted and loving mother who lived for her children. They were her whole world, and she meant everything to us.
“Our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure and brought so much joy, happiness and love to our family. They filled our lives with laughter and precious memories that we will cherish forever.
“The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken. They have all been taken from us far too soon. The loss we are experiencing is unimaginable, and the impact on our family will be felt forever.
“As we try to come to terms with this devastating tragedy, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected whilst we grieve and support one another through this incredibly difficult time.
“We would like to thank everyone for their kindness, support and understanding.”
Floral tributes and cards have since been left outside the home by neighbours.
Neighbour Loti Nambobe is taking care of the family’s dog in the aftermath of the blaze.
He told the BBC: “It’s a community. It’s broken. It hurts.”
Nambobe said he saw people trying to get into the home to rescue the family before fire crews arrived.
He added: “There were guys that tried to go in. People were doing everything, honestly. Like everyone here is a family and it’s broken everyone.”
One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “We all came out on the front and we could see smoke coming over from the houses.
“The sirens woke me up and there were fire engines in the street.”
Another woman said: “I heard shouting in the early hours but I just thought someone was having an argument, then I came downstairs and saw all the fire engines.”
The family’s next of kin have been informed.
Bootle MP Peter Dowd said: “My heart goes out to the family and friends of the four who lost their lives in a house fire in Bootle.
“Their loss is beyond words. This shocking event will touch everyone in our community.”
An investigation into the inferno, involving both police and the fire service is underway.
The street remains cordoned off by police and fire officers could be seen knocking on doors of neighbouring homes.
Fire engines could be seen arriving at and leaving the scene yesterday.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Kevin Longshaw said at the time: “This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured.
“We will work closely with relevant colleagues to ascertain the cause of the fire, but in the immediate term, we again extend our sincere condolences to those affected by this tragic incident.”
The fire service said in a statement: “Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) attended a house fire in Bootle on Tuesday, 22nd September and can sadly confirm that four people have tragically lost their lives in the fire.
“MFRS Fire Control received a 999 call at 3.38am and crews were immediately alerted, arriving on scene at 3.45am.
“At the height of the incident, six fire engines were in attendance. On arrival at Stone Square, firefighters found a semi-detached house well alight.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and began searching the property and fighting the fire.
“A casualty outside the house on arrival of fire crews was taken into the care of North West Ambulance Service and taken to hospital suffering from burns.
“During the course of their search, firefighters discovered four casualties in an upstairs bedroom, showing no signs of life.
“Two members of North West Ambulance’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were subsequently committed into the incident and tragically confirmed that all four had lost their lives.
“MFRS and Merseyside Police are now undertaking a joint investigation to establish the cause of the fire.”