Collingham fire: Mother and two children die in blaze at house in Nottinghamshire

Tributes have been paid to a mother and two children who died after fire broke out at their home in Nottinghamshire on Saturday.

Justine Collison, 33, was killed alongside her eight-year-old daughter Isabella in the early morning blaze at the house in Collingham, near Newark. Her five-year-old son Harvey later died in hospital.

Ms Collison’s husband Gavin, 34, is receiving treatment in hospital and remains in serious condition. Her mother Diane Fletcher, 53, was led to safety from the property and was unharmed by the fire.

Floral tributes to the “beautiful family” have been laid at the scene. One message described Isabella as a “wonderful friend,” while another, addressed to Harvey, read: “I loved reading with you.”

Chief Inspector Rich Stapleford said: “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, friends and the community of Collingham at this difficult time.”

One friend wrote on Facebook: “My beautiful best friend and her two beautiful children all taken in such awful circumstances. Gav is still fighting at present. I love you so much Justine, Izzy and Harvey.”

Local church leader Christine Hasman said the tragedy has shocked the community.

The administrator for East Trent Churches said: “All I can say is that everybody who knows about it in the church community is shocked and saddened by the whole thing.”

Ms Hasman, who said she did not know the family personally, added: “It’s just shocking news, especially so close to Christmas.”

Police and the fire service are working to establish the cause of the fire. The house in Woodhill Road was sealed off on Sunday as investigators began removing items from the property.

All Saints Church, less than a mile from the scene of the fire, will open during the day from now until Christmas Day for people to come together to remember the family.

A post on the East Trent Churches’ Facebook page said: “All Saints Collingham will be open from 10am to 4pm every day from now until Christmas Day.

“Please call in if you would like some quiet space or to pray a prayer or leave a message of condolence following the Collingham house fire.”