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

Tributes are being left at the scene of a fire on a Wolverhampton street which saw two boys die and has left neighbours and a community in shock.

The fire on Mason Street on Friday evening saw the two boys, aged one and three, pronounced dead at the scene and a woman, in her 30s, arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of two children.

It was confirmed by police on Sunday that the woman had been released on bail pending further enquiries, while police forensic teams worked in the house over the weekend.

On Monday morning, the police cordon on the road had been lifted, with police tape only visible around the front of the house.

An acrid smell of burning could still be smelt in the air near the house, while reminders of the incident on Friday were still visible through smoke damaged windows and a blackened look on the outside of the house.

Tributes could be seen on the front door to the house and on the wall at the side, with flowers and several toys, including a large Peter Rabbit, building up.

These included flowers left by Blakenhall councillor Sally Green, which read: “Precious angels taken too soon. Beautiful stars shining bright for all to cherish”, and from Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss, which read: “Such a tragic loss of young lives - My deepest condolences”.

Among people living on Mason Street, there were feelings of shock and grief at the loss of young lives.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said the feelings of what had happened were still very raw and she was still dealing with the events.

She said: “It’s very hard to talk about and it’s still very raw and very sad.

“I was at home on Friday in the living room when I saw flashing happening outside, so I came out and I just saw the whole street was full of smoke and it was just horrible.

“I was asking everyone what had happened and I heard people shouting about how there were kids in there and neighbours telling me about how there were two boys still in the house.

“I haven’t been down to see the tributes yet as it’s all still very hard and I’m reluctant to go down there, but I may go later when I’m ready.”

A man, who didn’t want to be named, said he had known the family and was still processing what had happened.

He said: “I heard all the sirens and came down to see what was going on, so I saw all of this while it was happening.

“I’m shocked as I’ve been friends with the oldest son for a long time and I saw the little boys as they were growing up, so it’s just a tragic event as there were just little kids.

“I’m going to go and look at the tributes and pay my respects when I’m able to do so.”

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “A woman arrested following the fatal fire in Mason Street, Wolverhampton, on Friday evening, has been released on police bail as investigations continue.

“A scene remains in place, and we would like to thank the local community for their patience and support at this difficult time.”

“An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with investigators continuing to hold enquiries to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

“Anyone with information relating to the blaze has been asked to contact West Midlands Police via their 101 number, quoting log number 5640 of 24 April.

“This is a truly tragic incident, and our thoughts remain very much with those who loved the children who have been lost.

“We understand the shock and distress this awful incident will have caused to many people, and we are working at pace to ascertain exactly what has happened.

“While we would ask people not to speculate about this, or the wider incident, we would ask that anyone who can help with our enquiries, and who is yet to speak to us, to get in contact.”