A husband, his wife and their daughter have been revealed as the three victims of a house fire in Hemel Hempstead.
Detectives are investigating the deaths of Gary Walker, 57, his wife Caroline, 50, and their 24-year-old daughter Katie after the were found by emergency crews on Sunday.
Officers were called to Stuarts Close shortly after 12.30pm yesterday and the three people were pronounced dead at the scene.
A blue tent has been erected outside the house, which still had its windows open this morning. The house and the neighbouring property were cordoned off.
In an update, Hertfordshire Police said: ‘Detectives have launched a murder investigation following an incident in Hemel Hempstead yesterday.’
Detectives are investigating the deaths of a father, his wife and their daughter at a house in Hemel Hempstead
A blue tent has been erected outside the house, which still had its windows open this morning. The house and the neighbouring property were cordoned off.
Today marks the seventh day of Britain’s unprecedented lockdown to slow the spread of deadly coronavirus – with residents told to only leave their homes for one daily exercise session, vital goods or medical attention.
Reports of the fire were raised by neighbour Peter Downer who saw smoke coming from the bathroom at the front of the end of terraced four bedroom house in Stuart’s Close at 12.30pm yesterday.
Mr Downer, 67, said: ‘We called the fire brigade when I saw smoke coming from the toilet. We were shocked when we heard what happened.
‘They were a quiet family and had lived here for a long time.’
He said Gary had worked as a draughtsman, Caroline had previously worked at a supermarket. Both were in their 50s. Their daughter Katie, 25, worked with animals.
Detectives are investigating the deaths of a father, his wife and their daughter at a house in Hemel Hempstead. Pictured: Fire fighters at the scene
Another neighbour said: ‘They were a lovely family. They had been here for about 30 years. It is a terrible tragedy. We don’t know what happened.’
Katie’s older sister Sarah is reported to have said on social media: ‘I have lost my whole family.’
It is believed the couple also have a son as well.
Fire and forensic officers were at the scene today and yesterday.
An Audi and a Ford were parked on the driveway of the £400,000 property.
A forensic officer puts on a protective suit before entering the property in Hemel Hempstead
Officers were called to the Stuarts Close property (pictured) shortly after 12.30pm today and the three people were pronounced dead at the scene
Hertfordshire Police said: ‘Detectives have launched a murder investigation following an incident in Hemel Hempstead yesterday.
‘Police were called at 12.34pm to a property in Stuarts Close, Hemel Hempstead.
‘Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were already in attendance as there was a fire at the address.
‘Officers and paramedics attended but sadly three people were pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification is yet to take place however they are believed to be two women, aged 50 and 24, and a man, aged 57.”
A forensic officer wearing a protective suit, hair net and face mask was seen by a police vehicle at the scene
The street remained cordoned off after the fire. Two women and a man died as the fire swept through the property
Detective Inspector Iain MacPherson, from the Beds, Cambs and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the three people who have sadly died.
‘We are treating this as an isolated incident. Our early inquiries have led us to believe there is no threat to the wider community.
‘Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this incident.
‘We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and forensic officers and the fire investigation team remain at the location as part of this.’