Children who died in fire 'brought joy to everyone'

Three children who died in a house fire "brought joy to everyone" and will be "deeply missed", their head teachers have said.

Sixteen-year-old Leo Brabin and his eight and seven-year-old brother and sister, Ellis and Prudence Brabin died along with their mother Elisha in a blaze which "spread rapidly" inside a house on Stone Square in Bootle, Merseyside, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.

Head teachers at Presfield School, St Elizabeth's RC Primary School and Acre View School said the children would be remembered for their "kindness, determination and positive impact".

Liz Wynne, head teacher of Acre View School, where Prudence was a former pupil, said: "Pru brought joy to everyone around her with her bright personality, incredible imagination, and remarkable memory.

"Her enthusiasm for life shone through in everything she did, especially when dancing and taking part in creative craft activities, which she enjoyed immensely."

Wynne said Pru was "known for her friendly nature and warm smile" and "made a positive impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing her"

"She valued her family greatly and often spoke about them with love and pride," she added.

Wynne said Pru was "cherished by both pupils and staff, who will remember her kindness, happiness, and the special light she brought to our school every day".

Liam Daniels, head teacher of St Elizabeth's RC Primary School, said Ellis "immediately made a positive impact on everyone he encountered" when he joined the school and "formed wonderful bonds with all pupils and staff".

"While he had such a gentle nature, Ellis also could show great determination and always gave his very best in everything he did, both in and beyond the classroom," he said.

"He was exceptionally polite, kind, and well-mannered, and we always enjoyed seeing the fantastic artwork he was so proud to share with us."

He said they would "all deeply miss hearing him chat about the activities he enjoyed outside school, particularly the vegetables he was growing in his garden, which brought him great happiness and pride".

Ellis was "a much-loved member of our school community, he said, adding that his "loss will be deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him" and he would be remembered with great affection.

Lucy McLoughlin, head teacher of Presfield School, said: "Leo was a gentle, innocent and beautiful soul who saw the world in such a unique and positive light, approaching it with a deep sense of awe and wonder.

"He took great pride in helping his peers and was at his happiest enjoying his school residentials."

She said Leo was a "core member of Presfield's community with his infectious smile, genuine kindness and love for learning he demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, overcoming challenges and growing into a mature and thoughtful young man".

She said Leo had left an immeasurable impact on Presfield and they would miss him very much.

All of the schools said they would continue to support pupils and staff during this difficult time.

The Brabin family's relatives said in a tribute on Wednesday they had been left "heartbroken" by "the tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children".

"The loss we are experiencing is unimaginable, and the impact on our family will be felt forever," they added.

Their statement added that "Elisha was a devoted and loving mother" and "our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure".

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) arrived on the scene at about 03:40 BST on Tuesday and found the semi-detached house "well alight".

A mobile incident room was set up close to the scene in the hours after the fire.

An MFRS spokesman said on Thursday this was a "complex and challenging" investigation.

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