Father dies in house fire as wife and two children fight for their lives
POLICE are renewing their appeal for information following a house fire that has left a father of three dead and his wife fighting for her life.
Devoted father Abdullah Mohammed, 41, died after a fire engulfed his family home on London Road, Blackburn last Wednesday.
Detectives are appealing for information about three men seen near to address in the time leading up to the fire and also a dark coloured hatchback car.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter from the Force Major Investigation Team said, “I am pleased with the response so far from the public and I thank them for coming forward. However, it is vitally important to the inquiry that anybody who has information contacts police.
“I am keen to trace or speak to three men who were seen in a dark coloured hatchback car at the back of London Road between 01:00 and 01:30 on Wednesday morning. If any body knows who the three men are or can help us track them down then I would ask them to come forward.
“I would like to reassure the public that we have a large team of detectives and specially trained support staff on this case and they are all working hard to piece together the events of Wednesday morning and in the run up to the fire to bring those people responsible to justice.
“Even the smallest of things, no matter how insignificant they may seem, could be important.”
Mr Mohammed’s wife, Ayesha who is 39 years old remains in a critical condition in Royal Blackburn Hospital. Their daughter, Siddiqah Mohammed remains in a critical condition whilst their son Mohammed Mohammed, 9 is in a serious but stable condition at the University Hospital in Manchester.
Det Supt Hunter added, “This is an incredibly difficult time for the family and friends of Mr and Mrs Mohammed, especially their son, Ashraf who was away at University. “We have officers with them doing their utmost to support them. The local community are also acting as a huge source of strength for the family.”
Police are also keen to keep local residents informed of the investigation and have officers working in the area. Inspector Claire Holbrook from Blackburn police said, “A tragedy like this affects the wider community and our local neighbourhood policing teams are out in the area to try and support them through this difficult time. Senior Officers have visited the local mosque to reassure those that live in the area.
“This is a complex investigation and we are speaking to residents and keeping them informed of developments as the investigation moves forward. Should anyone have any concerns then they I would ask them to contact the officers who are there to support them through this difficult time.”
Anybody with information is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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