Suspected break-in at fire-hit Wolverhampton home where two boys died

Police are investigating a suspected break-in at a fire-damaged home in Wolverhampton where two young boys tragically died.

Emergency services were called to Mason Street shortly before 8.30pm on Friday after reports of a house fire.

Crews from West Midlands Fire Service, ambulance teams, and police attended, closing off the road as they worked to bring the blaze under control.

Despite their efforts, two boys aged one and three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Read more: 'Precious angels taken too soon': Heartbreaking tributes left to boys at Wolverhampton fire scene

In an update, West Midlands Police said their initial work to determine the cause of the fire has now concluded, but a separate investigation into the children’s deaths remains ongoing.

Officers also revealed they are now examining a suspected break-in at the property.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We’re investigating after a suspected break-in at a home on Mason Street, Wolverhampton, which was badly damaged in a fire which claimed the lives of two boys.

“It’s believed entry was forced into the property at some point overnight.

“It is unknown if anything was taken.

“Our work to investigate the cause of the fire at the property had concluded, and the investigation into the deaths of the two boys continues.

“We are carrying out house to house, CCTV and forensic enquiries into the suspected break-in.Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via 101, quoting 899. “

The development has added to unease among residents in the area, many of whom are still processing the events of Friday evening.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be identified, described seeing unfamiliar people near the property over the weekend and hearing noises during the night.

“I saw some people looking at the house and asked them who they were, and they walked off,” she said. “I’ve not been sleeping much since the fire. I was up in the night and heard a noise and wondered what was going on.

“I went down today and saw the back door wide open, so I don’t know if someone’s kicked it in or not.”

Police had previously arrested a woman in her 30s on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of two children. She has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Officers have urged the public not to speculate as the investigation progresses. Anyone with information about the suspected break-in or the events surrounding the fire is asked to contact police via 101, quoting reference 899.