Father and nine-year-old daughter die in house fire - as girl, 11, remains in critical condition in hospital

9 June 2025, 10:55 | Updated: 9 June 2025, 13:04

A father and nine-year-old daughter have died after a house fire in West Yorkshire, while an 11-year-old girl is in critical condition.

Police were called to reports of a fire at a property in Heckmondwike on Sunday morning.

Both girls were rushed to hospital for treatment, but the nine-year-old died later the same day.

A man was given medical attention, but pronounced dead at the scene.

Tributes and flowers have been left at the scene, where the front door is boarded up.

Detective Inspector Paul Greatorex said: "We are continuing to work with colleagues at the fire service to investigate this dreadfully sad incident which has resulted in a father and daughter losing their lives."

He continued: "Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since yesterday and we have been working to locate and support relatives of the victims both here and outside of the UK at what is clearly an awful time for the family.

"While our enquiries remain ongoing we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances regarding the cause of the fire and will be preparing a file for the coroner in due course.

"Our support for the family involved clearly also still continues."

Councillor Ali Arshad, who represents Heckmondwike on Kirklees Council as a member of the Kirklees Community Independents Group, said he had asked the community, which he described as “close-knit”, not to speculate.

He said: “There’s been no speculation. Everybody has respected the wishes of the family.”

He said the family of the victims were “absolutely amazing people”, adding: “They keep themselves to themselves and are always cheery and willing to help.”