Terrified mother and children flee their blazing home at night ‘after her ex-partner burst in and burned himself to death in child’s bedroom’
- 62-year-old man allegedly set himself on fire as his ex-partner ran for her life
- Paramedics were unable to save the man and he was pronounced dead at scene
- Neighbour said: ‘The fire was bad, it broke windows and smoke was everywhere’
A 62-year-old man has died after allegedly running into a house and setting himself on fire as his terrified ex-partner and children ran for their lives.
West Midlands Fire and Ambulance services raced to the scene on Aldersmead Road in Birmingham last night at 6.20pm but could not save the man’s life.
At least five children were treated by paramedics.
A resident who lives near to the house said: ‘I believe her ex has died, they had several kids, I think the eldest was about 15-years-old. One of them was disabled and used a wheelchair.’
A 62-year-old man has died after allegedly running into a house and setting himself on fire as his terrified ex-partner and children ran for their lives. Pictured: The scene on Aldersmead Road in Birmingham
As the information came out, the police took over and a forensics officer worked with fire investigation officers to piece together the line of events.
Another resident who also lives on the road said: ‘We came outside of the house after hearing a commotion, it was mayhem. The kids were out thank god.
‘The fire was so bad, it broke the windows and smoke was everywhere. ‘Some of the kids were crying.’
The woman continued: ‘It looks like the fire started in the upstairs kids bedroom, it’s so frightening.
A resident who lives near to the house said: ‘I believe her ex has died, they had several kids, I think the eldest was about 15-years-old. One of them was disabled and used a wheelchair’
‘Our estate isn’t the most perfect one, but this is awful, you don’t expect this to happen on your doorstep, I feel so sorry for them and the children must be going through hell.’
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance said: ‘We were called to reports of a property fire on Aldersmead Road at 6.20pm, two ambulances, two paramedic officers and our Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene.
‘On arrival we discovered a man who had suffered serious burn injuries. Unfortunately, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
‘A woman was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for further assessment.
‘Six other patients were all assessed and discharged at the scene.’
The house had been boarded up on Friday morning and fire damaged debris was thrown out onto the front garden.
Another resident who also lives on the road said: ‘The fire was so bad, it broke the windows and smoke was everywhere. ‘Some of the kids were crying’
Amongst the debris was the child’s wheelchair and children’s shoes.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: ‘A man has died following a house fire in Northfield, Birmingham, yesterday (1 October).
‘Officers were called to a house on Aldersmead Road by colleagues from West Midlands Fire Service at around 6.20pm.
‘Despite the best efforts of emergency services, a 62-year-old man died in the fire.
‘A 44-year-old woman was taken to hospital to be checked over.
‘The circumstances surrounding the fire are being investigated, but at this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
‘This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased at this difficult time.’
Enquiries continue and anyone with information has been asked to contact police via 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote log 4042 of 1 October.