A man who was arrested after three people, including a four-year-old girl, died in a house fire in Rushton, Northamptonshire, has been released without charge.
Incident Details
The tragic fire broke out at the converted railway station home on Beswick Close in Rushton at around 10:30 pm on Friday. Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance teams, rushed to the scene to combat the intense blaze.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, a four-year-old girl, a 23-year-old man, and a 30-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Three police officers were also taken to the hospital after inhaling smoke.
Police Investigation
A 54-year-old man from Kettering was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released with no further action. Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow described the situation as a “heartbreaking incident” and stressed that a “thorough and complex” investigation is underway.
DCI Burrow stated: “My thoughts, and those of everyone involved in responding to this fire, are with the people who died and those who love them. Due to the intensity of the fire, we are managing a very challenging and dangerous scene, and are working with partners to safely and respectfully recover the deceased to enable formal identification to take place.”
Community Impact
The devastating fire has left the local community in shock. A nearby resident told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: “It’s absolutely shocking. My lad said it was on fire. There was a man who had tried to get in who was outside. It was just an inferno. There were ambulances, police, and fire trucks everywhere. I don’t know the people who live there, but all we can do is hope and pray.
Investigation Continues
The house, which previously served as a train station, was extensively damaged, with the roof entirely collapsed. A cordon remains in place while investigators continue to assess the scene.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has advised residents to avoid the area, with road closures in place on Station Road between Desborough Road and Oakley Road. Floral tributes have been left near the property as the community mourns the tragic loss of life.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.