A fourth child has died following a “suspicious” house fire in Essex that earlier claimed the lives of a mother and three children.

A three-year-old girl has died in hospital several hours after two brothers, aged six and 13, and their 11-year-old sister, were pronounced dead.

Firefighters were called to Barn Mead, Harlow, at around 1.45am, where they found a small terraced house “engulfed” with flames coming out of the front and back doors and a burning car.

Neighbours have described hearing calls for help from the property before emergency crews arrived.

Firefighters wearing breathing equipment battled “punishing” conditions inside before pulling out six people, Chief Fire Officer David Johnson, from Essex Fire and Rescue, told

“The first crews that arrived were actually confronted initially by a car that was alight so thought they were dealing with a car fire, but almost immediately became aware that there was a very developed house fire almost adjacent to where the car fire was,” he said.

“It was a very, very hot, intense fire.”

Three survivors were taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, including a boy of nine and a three-year-old girl who had both suffered serious burns.

But one of those children has since died, police said.

A man – a doctor who works at the same hospital – has also been treated there for minor injuries.

Essex police say they are treating the blaze as “suspicious” and the area was sealed off while a forensic examination of the house takes place.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Rob Vinson said the investigation was still in its early stages.

“At this time we are investigating to see whether this fire was started deliberately and need anyone with information to contact us,” he said.

“For the sake of the family, who are trying to come to terms with this tragic incident, I would ask for information from the public, especially in the Harlow area, to help us determine exactly what has happened.”

A burnt-out suitcase could be seen in front of the house this morning and a car a short distance away was also severely damaged by fire.

Next-door neighbour Sharon Pavey said the family had only recently moved to the area.

“I saw flames coming out of the back window and dialled 999 but they were already on their way,” she said.

“The flames and smoke were billowing out and we could tell it was very serious.

“I don’t think many people knew them but we are all in shock and this is very sad news.”

East of England Ambulance Serviceman spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the family and friends of all involved in this tragic incident.”

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