Four killed in 'suspicious' house fire

Four people were killed when a severe blaze swept through a house, fire service officials said today.

Four people were killed when a severe blaze swept through a house, fire service officials said today.

West Midlands Fire Service said one woman had been rescued from the property in Peake Drive, Tipton, by a passer-by shortly before midnight last night.

A brigade spokesman added: "Following initial investigations into the cause of the fire, the circumstances are being regarded as suspicious."

A fire engine returning from another incident arrived on the scene within a minute of the first call to the emergency services.

The spokesman continued: "We received several calls shortly before midnight and we mobilised fire engines from Tipton and Dudley.

"The crew from Tipton arrived on the scene within 40 seconds and breathing apparatus crews entered the house and discovered four people who had unfortunately died.

"One woman, who was rescued by a passer-by just before the arrival of the fire service, is being treated for burns in hospital."