Gloucestershire Police have launched a major investigation into a devastating house fire on Boxing Day morning, which is feared to have claimed three lives and left another person hospitalised. Authorities are urgently working to determine if the blaze was started deliberately by an arsonist.
Emergency Response in the Early Hours
Emergency services were called to a property on Brimscombe Hill, near Stroud, at approximately 3am on Boxing Day morning (Friday, December 26). Fire crews rushed to the scene to tackle the intense blaze. One person managed to escape the property and was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for treatment.
However, a major concern remains for three other individuals who were believed to have been inside the home at the time. Despite ongoing efforts by emergency services, these three people remain unaccounted for.
Joint Investigation and Scene Preservation
In a statement, Gloucestershire Police confirmed that a joint investigation with Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is underway to establish the exact cause of the fire. The coroner has been formally informed of the incident.
A police cordon remains firmly in place at the address, and officials have stated that an emergency services presence is expected to continue in the area for several days. Road closures were implemented on Brimscombe Hill to facilitate the work of investigators and emergency crews, with the public urged to avoid the vicinity.
Appeal for Privacy and Information
The police have made a heartfelt appeal for respect and restraint. "We ask that people respect the privacy of those involved at this unimaginably difficult time and refrain from any speculation," a spokesperson said.
The investigation is now focused on piecing together the events that led to the tragic fire, with detectives meticulously examining the scene to understand whether it was a deliberate act. The community in Stroud awaits further updates as the probe continues.
