Faulty charger could have started Sheffield house fire that killed three children

Three generations of the same family died in the blaze

A house fire in Sheffield that killed three young children along with their grandmother and aunt was probably started by a faulty charger.

Adyan Parwaiz Kayani, nine, Amaan Parwaiz Kayani, seven, and their nine-week-old sister Minahil died at their home in the Nether Edge area on 28 April.

Their grandmother, 53-year-old Shabina Begum, managed to escape the blaze but went back inside to rescue the children. Her daughter, Anum Parwaiz, 20, also died.

An investigation by South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue found the most likely cause of the fire was an electrical fault with a “faulty charging device”.

A spokesman said: “The investigation continues on behalf of the coroner and a full inquest into the deaths of the three children and two women will take place at a future date.”

Firefighters from four stations used an aerial ladder to try and tackle the blaze that broke out at around midnight.

Witnesses said up to 300 neighbours went into the street to try and help the rescue efforts, which lasted into the early hours.

Post-mortem examinations found that all five family members died from smoke inhalation.

Thousands of mourners lined the streets and packed a mosque for their funeral on Thursday.

Speaking ahead of the funeral, Mrs Begum's daughter Nazia Parwaiz Kayani said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved family and their untimely passing has left an unimaginable void in our lives forever."

She told the BBC: "Our thoughts would not be complete without mentioning the selfless heroism of my beloved mother Shabbina Begum, who went back into the home to try and rescue the family she adored.

"She made the ultimate sacrifice."

David Hartley, a district commander for Sheffield Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of those who tragically died in the fire.

“Our thoughts are also with the local community, who are not only struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy but who have had to deal with disruption due to the ongoing investigation.”