Emergency services have concluded their enquiries at a home in Brimscombe, Stroud, following a heartbreaking fire that has deeply affected the local community and beyond.
The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Boxing Day at a property on Brimscombe Hill, claimed the lives of Nu Shearman, aged 38, her two children Eve, seven, and Ohner, four, as well as the family’s pet dog. The family continues to be supported as they come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
While police and fire investigators have now left the address, enquiries will continue to be carried out on behalf of the coroner.
The fire is not being treated as suspicious.
The scene has now been handed over to Stroud District Council, which has secured the building and the cordon which has been in place on Brimscombe Hill since the incident has been removed.
The inquest into Nu’s death is due to be formally opened at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Monday (12 January). Inquests for Eve and Ohner are yet to be confirmed.
Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said: “Our thoughts continue to be with Nu’s husband and Eve’s and Ohner’s dad, Tom, following this awful tragedy.
“He, along with his wider family, continue to be supported by family liaison officers and as his employer, we are committed to doing everything we can to help them move forward.
“While extensive enquiries have now been completed at the scene, we continue our work alongside Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service on behalf of the coroner, ahead of inquests which will hopefully provide answers as to what happened.
“I’m immensely grateful for all those who responded to this extremely challenging incident with great professionalism and compassion, as I am to those who continue to investigate it.
“It’s also very humbling to see how the community has come together to show their love and support for the Shearman family, and it makes me proud to work among them.
“So many people, both within policing and in the community, have been deeply affected by this incident and it will no doubt take time for them to come to terms with it.
“Specialist services are available for anyone who needs support and I encourage anyone who is struggling to take advantage of these.”
Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with the family following this heartbreaking incident. I want to pay tribute to the firefighters and emergency responders who attended under extremely challenging circumstances, and to our partners who have worked tirelessly throughout the investigation.
“We will continue to support the ongoing enquiries on behalf of the coroner and stand ready to assist the family and community in any way we can.”
Stroud District Council Leader Chloe Turner said: “The thoughts of everyone in the district and beyond remain with Tom and his wider family, and I am confident the community will continue to wrap around them with the love and support they need.
“The response from the community is truly humbling, and I am proud of how everyone has supported the family and one another. I am grateful to emergency service and council personnel, to both churches in Brimscombe and Minchinhampton, Red Cross, Long Table, the fundraiser organisers and many others.”
Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This is an unimaginable tragedy and our hearts go out to Tom and the wider family as they face such devastating loss.
“The community’s response has been deeply moving, and I want to thank everyone who has shown kindness and support during this difficult time.
“We will continue to work closely with the emergency services and the family to provide any assistance needed as they begin to navigate the weeks ahead.”
The British Red Cross has said support is available for anyone who needs it. You can call their support line on 0808 196 3651.
The line is open between 10am and 8pm Monday and Thursday and between 10am and 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
British Red Cross, Worldwide Humanitarian Charity: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/after-house-fire
