Police have named the two children and a woman in her 30s who died in a flat fire in Cambridge.
Gemma Germeney, 31, died at the scene while Lilly Peden, eight, and Oliver Peden, four, were taken to hospital where they sadly later died.
A man in his 30s remains in hospital in a critical condition.
“Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and the local community following this tragic incident,” said a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police.
“We are working alongside the fire service to establish the most probable cause of the fire.”
The fire broke out in the early hours of Friday when emergency services were called to Sackville Close, King’s Hedges ward, Cambridge.
More than 30 firefighters, including crews from Cambridge, Cottenham, Cambourne, Linton, Burwell, and Huntingdon, attended the incident.
Crews arrived to find smoke issuing from the ground and first floor of a two-storey maisonette.
“Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties,” said a Cambs Fire and Rescue spokesperson.
“A man in his 30s managed to escape the flat before crews arrived, however he suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
“Two children, a boy, and a girl, were rescued by firefighters. They received treatment at the scene by firefighters and paramedics but tragically both later died in hospital.
“Sadly, a woman in her 30s also died at the scene.”
Area commander Stuart Smith said: “This is a devastating and deeply upsetting incident that will touch many people. Our thoughts are with the relatives, friends, and neighbours of the family. It’s just heartbreaking.
“We know this will have a huge impact on the local community and our fire safety team was in the area visiting residents yesterday to provide fire safety information and reassurance and will be returning next week.
“A fire like this is one of the toughest incidents you can attend as a firefighter and we’re looking after the welfare of all those who responded to or supported this incident.”
An investigation to establish the cause of the fire will continue.
