Police theory on death fire

Detectives today said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with a blaze at a Telford property which killed one man and left his girlfriend and two children injured.

The suspicious fire at the detached property in Sunderland Drive, Leegomery, ripped through the house last week, leaving Andrea Partington, 35, and her son Jack, nine, and her six-year-old daughter Regan trapped inside.

Adrian Hemming, Mrs Partington's boyfriend, was discovered with serious burns in the back garden by heroic neighbours who rescued three members of the family.

He was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries the next day.

Mrs Partington remained critically ill in hospital today after surgery to her burns.

Jack and Regan have been released from hospital after recovering from smoke inhalation and are being looked after by family members. They were rescued from the first floor of the house, while Mrs Partington was rescued from another part of the house.

Detectives were brought in after police revealed it was being treated as "suspicious", but today they said there was no third party involvement. Officers are still waiting to speak to Mrs Partington and her two children about what happened.

Detective Superintendent Sheila Thornes said: "Inquiries are continuing to establish the exact cause of the fire. However, evidence gathered so far indicates there was no third party involvement.

"Although a 35-year-old woman remains in a critical condition, it is pleasing both the nine-year-old boy and the six-year-old girl have now been discharged from hospital.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community in Leegomery, not only for their brave actions on the night of the fire itself, but also for their co-operation and patience as our officers have carried out their inquiries in the area around the scene.

"I'd also like to thank the families of the victims involved in this fire – the thoughts of us all remain with them at this difficult time."

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman