Merseyside house fire leaves four people dead and another in hospital

A severe house fire at a semi-detached property in Stone Square, Bootle, Merseyside, killed four people and left another person in hospital. Emergency services were called at approximately 3.45am on Tuesday. Chief fire officer Nick Searle confirmed the fatalities, describing an intense blaze that spread very rapidly. Six fire engines attended at the height of the incident, with eight firefighters entering the property to search for occupants and tackle the fire. Four casualties were found in an upstairs bedroom, while a fifth casualty was outside the house when crews arrived and was taken to hospital suffering from burns. Police cordoned off the street while fire crews remained at the scene. (Source: The Independent / Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service)