Police currently treating Langley Mill fire tragedy as unexplained

Officers were called to the blaze on North Street, Langley Mill, at 4.04am, today, Sunday, June 21, following reports of a fire.

Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed a man, a woman, and a female infant had died following the fire which badly damaged the property and a car parked outside.

A police spokesman said: “Investigating officers say they are keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire and have not ruled anything out at this early stage in the inquiry.

“Police are not in a position to give any further details of those who died in the fire as they are still tracing family members.”

Several neighbouring properties were evacuated as the fire caused a gas leak.

A leading figure in the East Midlands Ambulance Service has expressed his and the organisation’s condolences after the deaths.

The fire is reported to have happened at a block of flats where a man, a woman and a baby girl have been reported to have died.

Joe Garcia, EMAS Associate Director of Operations, said: “We responded to a very tragic incident during the early hours of this morning where two adults and an infant died.

“Our crews were sent to Langley Mill after Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service called for our assistance at around 4am.

“Three ambulances, a paramedic team leader and our Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the emergency and provided medical support to five patients for smoke inhalation.

“Four patients were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre and one patient to Royal Derby Hospital.

“I would like to thank our crews for their hard work at this challenging job and express our condolences to the families of those involved.”

Fire crews from Heanor, Ilkeston, Eastwood and Ripley were called out to the incident with a high-rise ladder from Ascot Drive station, in Derby.

Police and the fire service have launched an investigation to establish the cause of the fire.

Neighbours reported desperate attempts to rescue the casualties from the three-story building.

A police spokesman said several neighbouring properties had to be evacuated as the fire also caused a gas leak.

John Dunkley, a watch manager with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, also stated: “Terrible night shift. Thoughts with all personnel from all emergency services involved at Langley Mill this morning.”

Police and the fire service have launched a joint investigation to establish the cause of the fire.

A Derbyshire fire service spokesman said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family and friends of the deceased.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.