Full Breakdown
Tragic Bootle House Fire Claims Mother and Three Children
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident
On September 22, a fire broke out in a semi-detached house on Stone Square, Bootle, Sefton. Crews arrived just before 3.45 a.m. to find the property “well alight.” Six fire engines and eight firefighters entered the building with breathing apparatus.
Four victims—Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, 8, and Prudence Brabin, 7—were found dead in an upstairs bedroom. A fifth person, located outside, was taken to hospital with burn injuries.
Response and Investigation
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) and Merseyside Police opened a joint investigation. Early indications suggest the fire was non-suspicious. Service area manager Kevin Longshaw said the incident was “devastating” and that investigators are working to determine the cause.
Community Reaction
Residents gathered on Marsh Avenue and King Avenue with floral tributes, candles, star-shaped balloons and soft toys outside the police cordon. Neighbours reported hearing sirens, smoke and a woman’s cries for help. One neighbour said a male casualty tried to break windows to rescue occupants before being forced back by the flames.
Official Statements & Responses
- Kevin Longshaw, MFRS – Described the incident as “devastating,” offered condolences and pledged cooperation with colleagues to ascertain the cause.
- Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council leader – Called the incident “truly devastating” and urged community support for the grieving family.
- The Right Rev Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Liverpool, and The Right Rev Simon Robinson, Bishop of Warrington – Expressed deep sadness and offered prayers for the victims and responders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “God bless you all. Heartbroken to hear about the devastating fire.” — Resident
- “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.” — Kevin Longshaw
Data & Statistics
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victims confirmed dead | 4 (Elisha Brabin and three children) |
| Injured casualty | 1 (outside the house, burns) |
| Fire engines deployed | 6 |
| Firefighters entering the blaze | 8 |
| Emergency services present | MFRS, Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service (HART) |
| Joint investigation | MFRS + Merseyside Police (non-suspicious fire indicated) |
Timeline
- September 22 – Emergency services called to Stone Square; fire found “well alight.”
- September 22 – Four victims located in upstairs bedroom; fifth casualty taken to hospital.
- September 22 – Joint investigation launched.
- September 22 – Community tributes begin; police deploy mobile station for support.
On-the-Ground Reports
- A male casualty, identified by neighbours as the children’s father, attempted to break windows to rescue his family before being forced back by the flames, sustaining serious burns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Formal identification of the victims is pending, though next of kin have been notified.
- The precise cause of the fire remains under investigation; early indications point to a non-suspicious origin but no definitive conclusion has been released.