Boy, 8, killed in fire at house where people leapt from windows to escape

An eight-year-old boy has died in a fire which broke out at a house overnight on the weekend.

Firefighters were called to Beechwood Estate in Birkenhead, Merseyside shortly before 2am on Sunday morning and found a blaze on the ground floor of a two-storey semi-detached house.

Three people had leapt from the first-floor windows, one of which appeared to have a sheet hanging out of it which may have been used to climb down part of the distance.

The boy was rescued from the flames but efforts to resuscitate him were in vain.

Flowers, balloons and teddy bears were among the tributes left for the child on Sunday.

Investigators have confirmed the fire was accidental, though firefighters will be offering free home fire safety checks as part of a reassurance campaign over the coming days.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan said: ‘This has been a very tragic incident, with an incredibly sad outcome despite the best efforts of my crews.

‘Our thoughts are very much with the family, friends and loved ones of the young boy at this time. We also know the impact that an incident like this will have on the local community and share our heartfelt condolences.

‘I would like to commend the efforts of my fire control team and fire crews who acted so quickly to rescue the young boy and North West Ambulance Service colleagues who made every effort to provide emergency resuscitation.’

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