Blaze girl out of hospital

A six-year-old Shropshire girl whose stepfather died in a blaze which ripped through the family home has been discharged from hospital.

Regan Partington was rescued by heroic neighbours as the inferno took hold of the detached property in Sunderland Drive in Leegomery, Telford, on Tuesday night.

The Apley Wood Primary School pupil was taken to Telford's Princess Royal Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. She was released last night.

She is now being comforted by family as her 34-year-old mother, Andrea Partington, remains critically ill in hospital.

Mrs Partington's son, Jack, nine, remains in a stable condition in the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent.

Mrs Partington's partner, Adrian Hemming, died on Wednesday night from his injuries after brave neighbours smashed the doors and windows to rescue the family. Floral tributes were left at the scene today.

Detectives are still trying to piece together what happened in the hours leading up to the blaze at 9.45pm. They are treating the fire as suspicious.

Forensic work was continuing at the house today and was expected to go on over the weekend.

Detective Superintendent Sheila Thornes, senior investigating officer, said officers were keeping an "open mind" into how the blaze started.

She said: "We are investigating what may have caused the suspicious fire. I cannot rule out anything at this stage and we are keeping an open mind until the investigation is concluded."

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for Telford police, today confirmed the girl had been discharged from hospital and that her brother remained stable and their mother critical.

Mrs Partington, who is understood to be pregnant, underwent surgery at Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital yesterday on the serious burns she suffered.

It is understood that 37-year-old Mr Hemming moved to Shropshire from Bristol after meeting Mrs Partington.

Police today urged anybody with any information to contact Telford officers on 0300 333 3000.

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman