A MURDER investigation has been launched after a woman and three children died in a house fire in Bradford in the early hours of this morning.  

Officers were called at 2.07am by the fire service to reports of a house fire at a property on Westbury Road, off Cooper Lane, in the BD6 area of the city. 

A 29-year-old woman was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. 

Three children – two girls aged nine and one, and a five-year-old boy - were taken to hospital. Sadly, all three have died from the injuries they suffered in the fire.     

A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital with critical injuries.     

Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team at West Yorkshire Police, said:  “This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives. Our thoughts remain with their family, friends and loved ones."

She said a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and "he is seriously ill in hospital today as a result of injuries caused by the fire".

“While our enquiries are at an early stage, we do at this time believe the incident is domestic related," she added.

“We are appealing anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.

“Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and we are working with local neighbourhood officers to carry out enquiries and provide reassurance in the area.”    

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is asked to contact police via 101 or use the live chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat, quoting log 107 of August 21.     

Information can always be given anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.