More than £4,000 raised for parents of four children who died in Stafford house fire
More than £4,000 has been raised in just a few hours for the parents of four children who died in a Stafford house fire.
A crowdfunding page has been launched today to help the pair, understood to be Natalie Karen Unitt and Chris Moulton, who managed to get out of the house with a fifth child.
A Facebook page has also been set up called 'Community Help for Highfields family' in which dozens of people have offered items to help the family.
The four children aged between three and eight - named as Riley, Keegan, Tilly and Olly - were pronounced dead at the scene in Sycamore Lane, Highfields, while the parents and the fifth child, believed to be baby Jack, were taken to hospital.
Police said the father is being treated for burns and the mother for smoke inhalation, but their injuries are not life-threatening.
Some of the older children attended Castlechurch Primary School, and a parent of a pupil there, Stephen Glover, set up the fundraising page with a target of £5,000.
On the fundraising page, he says: "Tragically on February 5 four children's lives were lost in a house fire in Highfields, Stafford.
"All donations received will go directly to the parents to help them rebuild their lives. Any questions then please contact Community Help for Highfields family Facebook page.
"I am a parent of the school where some of the children attended and will be liaising with the school and police to ensure family receive all donations. Thanks so much for your support."
Firefighters, police and paramedics were sent to the two-storey end-terrace house after a 999 call at around 2.40am.
Neighbours reported hearing loud bangs and screams as flames caused major damage to the inside and outside of the building.
A large section of the roof collapsed, while windows were smashed and the inside appeared to have been blackened by smoke.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are now investigating what started the fire and a police cordon is in place on surrounding roads.
Tape and patrol cars are blocking off Sycamore Lane at Whittingham Drive, Lindon Close and other nearby routes.
Meanwhile, two prayer meetings at nearby Castle Church in Highfields were planned for 2pm and 7.30pm.
To donate to the family, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/staffordfire
