Electrical items caused house fire that killed mum and children, inquest hears

Fionnghuala Shearman was killed in an accidental house fire along with her children, Eve and Ohner, on Boxing Day last year A house fire on Boxing Day last year which killed a woman and her two children is believed to have been caused , an inquest has heard. Fionnghuala Mary Shearman, 38, known as Nu, her seven-year-old daughter Eve and her son Ohner, four, died at their home in Brimscombe, Gloucestershire, in the early hours of 26 December last year. Partner and serving police officer Tom Shearman, escaped and tried to re-enter the house multiple times to save his wife and children, but was unable to due to the severity of the blaze. Leroy Hughes, from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said items such as soft furnishings and the Christmas tree would likely have fueled the flames. An inquest held at Gloucestershire Coroner's Court on Monday heard the fire likely started in the living room, caused . Emergency services were called at GMT and crews found the property "well alight", according to Hughes. Three released on bail after sword attack Where to see Christmas lights in the West this year New kerbside recycling trial to launch in town Shearman told the court he had noticed an "unusual warmth and a smoky atmosphere" in the house when he got up to use the bathroom shortly after GMT. He attempted to wake his family when he realised the house was on fire, but was unable to reach them despite "striking and kicking" a window from outside. When his efforts were to no avail, Shearman broke into a neighbouring property to help the occupant leave to "prevent the further loss of life". The inquest heard the neighbour, called June, had spent Christmas morning having coffee and cake with the family before the tragedy unfolded. The fire is believed to have been caused a "very distressed state" and having sustained "quite significant injuries". The fire destroyed the roof, the ceilings and stairs, as well as causing other significant internal damage to the house. Senior coroner Katy Skerrett paid tribute to Mr Shearman's "valiant" attempts to save his family. The coroner said she accepted the fire had likely started in the living room of the property and added that it was probable the fire had started "from an electric ignition source". The cause of death for all three family members was given as "exposure to the combustion products of fire" and the coroner concluded they were accidental deaths, describing it as an "absolute tragedy with the most horrific consequences possible for this loving young family".