Friends and neighbours have paid tribute to a “devoted” mum and her three “beautiful” children who died in a house fire on Merseyside. Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and Prudence Brabin, seven, died on Tuesday after a devastating fire broke out at their home on Stone Square, Bootle.
Emergency services were called at around 3.45am following reports that a semi-detached house was “well alight”. Fire crews from six engines attended the scene, with firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entering the property to tackle the blaze. It was later confirmed that four people had died, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Family tribute to ‘beloved’ loved ones
The family of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence today (Wednesday) paid tribute to their loved ones. They said: “Our whole family is devastated by the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence.
“Elisha was our beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunty, niece and cousin. She was a devoted and loving mother who lived for her children. They were her whole world, and she meant everything to us.
“Our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure and brought so much joy, happiness and love to our family. They filled our lives with laughter and precious memories that we will cherish forever.
“The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken.
“They have all been taken from us far too soon. The loss we are experiencing is unimaginable, and the impact on our family will be felt forever.
“As we try to come to terms with this devastating tragedy, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected whilst we grieve and support one another through this incredibly difficult time.
“We would like to thank everyone for their kindness, support and understanding.”
Community tributes and floral tributes
Since the tragedy, an outpouring of tributes has been shared on social media, with friends, neighbours and members of the local community expressing their shock and offering their condolences to the family.
Responding to the ECHO’s Facebook post, Carole Ann said: “So sad heartbreaking god bless you all. thoughts to all family members and friends such a loss RIP.”
Jean Cain said: “Absolutely heartbreaking. God bless you and my prayers for your family & friends.”
Di Draper said: “Absolutely heartbreaking; I can’t imagine how their family can ever come to terms with this tragedy, R.I.P and condolences to all.”
Maria Caffery-Winder said: “So heartbreaking been thinking of Elisha and her babies all day. Elisha I’ve known of you before you were born when I was having my baby the same time as your mum was having you.
“I’ve seen you grow up through school. It was so hard hearing this very sad news. Fly high Elisha with your beautiful babies. You’re back in the arms of your lovely mum and nan. Sending my deepest sympathy to all Elisha’s family.”
Maureen Driscoll said: “So sad, sending my condolences to all family god bless mummy an babies.”
Kayla Louise said: “This is the most tragic thing I’ve heard, absolutely heart-wrenching, unimaginable news and pain. My thoughts prayers and strength goes out to their family heartbroken.”
Diane Ross said: “Heartbreaking, thoughts are with all family and friends at this difficult time.”
Tania Hudson said: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Back in the arms of your mum/nan. Sending strength to all the family.”
Sarah Stanhope wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking I haven’t stopped thinking about this for the last two days just like every one else hasn’t. May you all rest in eternal peace gone far too young. I’m crying writing this. Fly high with all the beautiful angels.”
Stacey Lee wrote: “Just awful. Rest peacefully to this mummy and her babies so sorry to everybody who knew and loved them.”
Friends and neighbours have also spoken of their shock at the family’s deaths. Candles have been placed on the pavement, along with pink and blue star-shaped balloons. Soft toys, including Minecraft and Star Wars characters, were also laid at the scene.
Investigation into cause of fire
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said it was carrying out a joint investigation with Merseyside Police to establish the cause of the blaze, although the ECHO understands the early indications are it was a non-suspicious fire.
Fire service area manager Kevin Longshaw said: “This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured.
“We will work closely with relevant colleagues to ascertain the cause of the fire, but in the immediate term, we again extend our sincere condolences to those affected by this tragic incident.”
