AN investigation has been launched into a house fire on Boxing Day.
Emergency crews were dispatched to a residence on Brimscombe Hill, close to Stroud in Gloucestershire, around 3am on the morning of Boxing Day.
Three people remain missing after the incident, with one person receiving hospital treatment.
In a statement this morning, Gloucestershire police said: “Enquiries are continuing following a house fire on Brimscombe Hill in Stroud yesterday morning, Friday December 26.
“An investigation has been launched alongside Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the fire, and the coroner has been informed.
“A cordon remains in place at the address and an emergency services presence is expected to continue for several days.
“We ask that people respect the privacy of those involved at this unimaginably difficult time and refrain from any speculation.”
It was confirmed yesterday by the police confirmed that one person succeeded in fleeing the building and is undergoing care at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
However, three more people believed to have been in the house when the fire started are still unaccounted for.
Roads were closed on Brimscombe Hill as emergency services were on the scene.
Residents have been requested to keep away from the area.
An investigation is still ongoing to establish what caused the fire.
Dr Simon Opher, Labour MP for Stroud, said the fire is “really shocking at Christmas time”.
He continued: “It’s just really tragic for our local community.
“I know at these sort of times Stroud really pulls together and supports neighbours, and anyone who knew the people in the house.”
Green Party councillor Chloe Turner representing Minchinhampton on Stroud District Council said that anyone who has any information or needs support should get in touch with the police.
She continued that her thoughts are “are very much with everyone impacted by this tragic incident”.
On Friday, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said that crews stopped the fire from spreading to nearby homes.
However, they added that the damage to the house itself was extensive.
