House fire kills father and daughter in Telford

The bodies were discovered at a property in Briarwood, Brookside, at around 8.45pm yesterday evening.

The man and young child, named locally as 33-year-old Andrew Lineton and 6-year-old Kay-Leigh Cooke, were confirmed dead at the scene after police officers forced entry into the address and discovered evidence that there had been an extensive kitchen fire inside.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had burnt itself out.

Initial investigations have suggested that toxic gases had killed the pair. Post-mortem examinations are due to take place to find out how they died.

Police investigating the deaths said there is no evidence to suggest that the fire was started deliberately.

Fire and forensic investigators have spent a number of hours at the scene looking for clues to ascertain what happened.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Eccleston said: “Fire and forensic investigators have spent the morning at the scene and at this stage there is no evidence to suggest the fire was started deliberately.

“The thoughts of the investigating officers are with the families of the victims at the present time.”

The Shropshire Coroner has been informed and is being kept updated.