City house fire was 'deliberate'

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A fire that left a woman and her two children seriously ill in hospital was started deliberately, police said.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at the terraced property on Sutton Avenue, Belgrave, Leics early on Monday.

The 31-year-old victim and her two sons, aged six and nine, were taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary where they remain in a very serious condition.

Police believe the fire was started at the front of the house and specialist fire officers are carrying out tests.

'Nothing insignificant'

Det Supt Chris Thomas said: "It is now clear that we are not dealing with a horrible accident but a deliberate case of arson which has led to a mother and her two sons being very poorly in hospital."

Det Supt Thomas also asked anyone who might have information about the fire to come forward.

"We know that taxis often use Sutton Avenue as a cut-through from Gipsy Lane to Catherine Street and we would make a direct appeal for any cab drivers who were on duty on Sunday night through to Monday morning to think back.

"Please don't assume what you saw was not relevant. It's very important we gather as much information as possible so nothing is insignificant," he added.