'I was changing the baby's nappy while the house was on fire'

7 hours ago

George KingSuffolk

News image — Crystal Hudson with her partner Ross Button, who was at work at the time of the fire

Supplied A selfie-style image of a woman, with blonde hair in a ponytail and a green top, who is standing in front of a man with dark hair and a black T-shirt. They are both smiling and looking into the camera. — Crystal Hudson with her partner Ross Button, who was at work at the time of the fire

A mother who was changing her baby's nappy when she realised her house was on fire was left "screaming and crying" after leading her four children to safety.

Crystal Hudson and her family lost their home in Haverhill, Suffolk, in the blaze, which took hold in the utility room.

The 27-year-old had just returned home from a trip out when she smelled smoke and tried in vain to put the fire out before "it got worse", ahead of rushing to get her children out and calling 999.

The West Suffolk Council property, where she lived with her partner and children, aged between one and six, was destroyed along with all their possessions.

"We didn't even have time to put any shoes on, we literally just left and ran out - I was screaming and crying and we were all just in hysterics," said Hudson.

"The house is completely unliveable. We can't go back in and everything that was in there has been ruined - everything is gone.

"I wouldn't wish it on anybody, it's awful."

Supplied The outside of a house. The windows are blown out and the front door is open with signs of smoke damage. — Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes but the fire had already spread to the first floor, said the mother of four

Firefighters from Bury St Edmunds, Long Melford and Newmarket were called to the Connaught Road property at about 11:45 BST on 6 August.

Hudson, who had lived in the house for two-and-a-half years, said she was staying with her family in a hotel until the council could find them somewhere more permanent.

Supplied The outside of the house, with the windows and door boarded up. — Four fire crews worked to put out the blaze

She said the council "don't know if it will be in Haverhill or if we will have to live elsewhere, but they are trying their best to keep us here".

"It's a roof over our heads but we can't stay in a hotel for the rest of our lives - it's not great going from a three-bedroom house to having all your belongings in one room."

Supplied A close-up of a door to a room that appears badly damaged. — Hudson discovered the fire in the utility room

An online fundraiser, which has so far reached £2,000, has been set up to help the family replace their lost possessions.

"We only managed to come out with what was on our backs, but we're really appreciative of everyone that's donated so far," said Hudson.

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