A community is united in grief following a tragic house fire in Brimscombe that claimed the lives of a mother and her two children.
Emergency services were called to a property in the village at approximately 3am on Boxing Day. Police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene, but despite the efforts of the children’s father to rescue his family, a woman in her 40s, a seven-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy sadly died in the blaze.
At a press conference held on Monday morning at Gloucestershire Constabulary’s headquarters at Waterwells near Gloucester, Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher confirmed the fatalities and extended condolences to the family and the wider community affected by the incident. Gloucestershire Police said the father, who survived the blaze, was a serving officer with the force.
In response to the tragedy, Tom Herbert, founder of the nearby Long Table, has opened The Sanctuary at Brimscombe Mill as a space for residents to gather, reflect and support one another.
“Following the police press release today about the house fire early on Boxing Day morning, taking a family from our community is utterly devastating,” he said.
“We are honoured to be able to hold space in The Sanctuary at Brimscombe Mill. It is warming up and open until 8pm today, and from 2pm to 8pm over the coming days.
“This provides an additional space, alongside Rev Peters’ church on Brimscombe Hill, where people can come together and grieve.
“There will be much more to do in the coming days — simply coming together as a community and supporting the police and emergency services who continue to work close by.
“The kettle’s on. I’ll be here until 8pm today. Anyone who would like to join us will be most welcome.”
Trained professionals will be on hand to offer reassurance and to listen at The Long Table, Brimscombe Mills, from 10am to 2pm today, December 30th. We are grateful to Brimscombe Mills team for facilitating this, and for being open from 2pm to 8pm in the coming days for those who need support.
Floral tributes can be laid at the Sanctuary at Brimscombe Mills. Donations or loans of vases are very welcome, to help keep the flowers longer.
Cllr Chloe Turner said: “As a council, our thoughts are all with the family and friends of those affected, and we are working with partners to support the community around them in any way we can. We are also continuing to support the efforts of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Gloucestershire Constabulary, to ensure the safety of personnel at the scene.
“Help is also available from the Red Cross by calling 0808 196 3651 between 10am and 8pm (Mondays and Thursdays) and 10am to 5pm (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
“Gloucestershire-based bereavement charity for young people, Winston’s Wish also has helpful advice on its website: https://winstonswish.org .”
Reverend Peter Francis, Rector of Rodborough, Woodchester and Brimscombe, said: “The community is shocked and devastated. “A number of people have left prayers and messages of support on the tree and have gathered in the church to grieve together.”
There is also a prayer tree in the church foyer which members of the community have been adding messages to.
The community has since rallied to support the father with over £49,000 already donated to a fundraiser for accommodation, clothing and essentials.
The fundraiser organiser said: “This fund has been set up to help support [the sole survivor of the fire] with the practical needs they are facing now and in the months ahead – including emergency accommodation, clothing and essentials, time away from work and the many unexpected costs that arise during a period like this.
“Right now, the most important thing is that he can focus on getting through each day, without the added pressure of financial or practical worries.
“Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page is just as appreciated – there is no pressure.
“Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support at an incredibly difficult time.”
To donate to the fundraiser click here
