Head teachers remember three children killed in Merseyside house fire

A mother and her three children died in a house fire that spread rapidly through their home on Stone Square in Bootle, Merseyside, in the early hours of Tuesday. The victims were 16-year-old Leo Brabin, his eight-year-old brother Ellis, seven-year-old sister Prudence, and their mother Elisha.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service crews arrived at around 03:40 BST to find the semi-detached house already well alight. A mobile incident room was set up near the scene afterward. On Thursday, a fire service spokesman described the ongoing investigation into the cause, being carried out alongside Merseyside Police, as "complex and challenging."

Tributes from schools

Head teachers from the children's three schools shared personal tributes. Liz Wynne, head teacher at Acre View School, where Prudence had been a pupil, recalled the girl's bright personality, imagination and memory, along with her love of dancing and craft activities.

Liam Daniels, head teacher at St Elizabeth's RC Primary School, said Ellis made an immediate positive impression when he joined, was gentle yet determined, exceptionally polite, and proud to share his artwork and talk about vegetables he grew in his garden.

Lucy McLoughlin, head teacher at Presfield School, described Leo as a gentle and innocent soul with a unique, positive outlook, who helped his peers and showed resilience in overcoming challenges as he matured.

All three schools said they would continue supporting pupils and staff through this difficult period.

Family statement

Relatives of the Brabin family said on Wednesday they were "heartbroken" by the loss of Elisha and her three children, describing Elisha as a devoted and loving mother and the children as loved beyond measure, adding that the impact on the family would be felt forever.