North Wingfield fire: Four people die and girl, 7, in hospital Published duration 20 November 2013

image caption Josie Leighton and her son Tyler Green died in the fire in North Wingfield, Derbyshire

Two women and two brothers have died in a house fire in north Derbyshire.

The fire broke out at a house in Williamthorpe Road, North Wingfield, near Chesterfield before 05:00 GMT.

Derbyshire Police said the women, Claire James, 27, and Josie Leighton, 32, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The boys, nine-year-old Tyler Green and Jordan Green, aged 12, were pronounced dead at hospital after being pulled from the first floor of the house.

image caption Tyler Green and Jordan Green were pulled from the first floor of the house but died in hospital

A seven-year-old girl, who was found in the garden by emergency services, is being treated at Chesterfield Royal Hospital for smoke inhalation.

An investigation by the police and fire service into the cause of the blaze is under way.

Ch Insp Rick Gooch from Derbyshire Police said it was a "tragic event", which would "impact on the community".

He added that "specially trained officers are working with the family".

'Very upsetting'

Kam Bassi from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said firefighters had "battled quite arduous conditions" in the house, which was "thoroughly smoke logged".

He said it was "far too early" to confirm a cause of the fire.

Residents have spoken of their shock and sadness at the news.

image caption Claire James died in the blaze, which is now being investigated

One neighbour said she had "heard next door thumping and banging" before the emergency services arrived.

Joy Cutliffe, another resident, said it was "really, really tragic and very upsetting, especially when children are involved".

Simon Dormand, head teacher of North Wingfield Primary School where at least one of the children is thought to have studied, said the thoughts of staff were "with the family".

A spokesman for Derbyshire County Council said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of those who lost their lives in the house fire in North Wingfield this morning."

North Wingfield residents have set up a Facebook page for people to make donations of toys and clothing for the seven-year-old girl who escaped the fire.

It is the fourth fire in Derbyshire involving multiple deaths of children since April 2010. Last year six children died in a house fire in Victory Road, Derby.