Trio in court on house fire charges

Three members of the same family will appear in court today charged with murdering two teenagers and a baby who died in a house fire.

Brothers Anthony and Simon Eyre, aged 21 and 24, and their 43-year-old father, Peter Eyre, are all due to appear before magistrates in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Peter and Anthony Eyre, both of Central Avenue, Sandiacre, and Simon Eyre, of New Tythe Street, Long Eaton, are accused of murdering Amy Smith, Edward Green and six-month-old Ruby-Grace Gaunt.

All three victims died of smoke inhalation after a fire at a property in Langley Mill in the early hours of Sunday.

Ms Smith, 17, her daughter Ruby-Grace Gaunt, and Mr Green were all pronounced dead at the scene of the blaze in North Street.

In a statement issued yesterday, Derbyshire's Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson said the deaths had had a huge impact on the fire and rescue service.

"The fire service works tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone in the community and for firefighters who worked in exceptionally difficult conditions to try and rescue the deceased, it is extremely difficult to accept this tragic loss of life," Mr Tomlinson said.

Anyone with information to assist the inquiry is urged to call Derbyshire Constabulary on 101 or the Crimestoppers service on 0800 555 111.