County blaze victim in critical condition

A mother who suffered serious burns in a Shropshire house fire which killed her partner remained critically ill in hospital today.

Andrea Partington, 34, remains in a critical condition at Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital after undergoing surgery for the burns she suffered when a blaze ripped through her family home in Sunderland Drive, Leegomery, Telford.

Her son Jack Partington, nine, is in the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, but is said to be recovering well from smoke inhalation.

His sister Regan, six, is being looked after by relatives. It is understood Stephen Partington, the youngsters' father, has travelled from Bristol to look after his daughter and also to be at his son's bedside.

Adrian Hemming, 37, Mrs Partington's boyfriend, died less than 24 hours after Tuesday's blaze.

The couple, along with Regan, were rescued by heroic neighbours who smashed their way in after seeing smoke billowing out of the house. Jack was later rescued by firefighters.

A police investigation into the "suspicious" fire was continuing today.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards said: "The investigation is progressing well but it would be unprofessional to rule any lines of inquiry out at this stage."

He added: "Anyone with information about this fire – or the family that lived at the address – that may assist our investigation is asked to contact 0300 333 3000."