Justine Collinson and her two children, aged eight and five, died in blaze in Collingham

Tributes have been paid to a family involved in a house fire that killed two children and their mother.

Justine Collinson, 33, died along with eight-year-old daughter, Isabella, and her five-year-old son, Harvey. Her husband Gavin, 34, remains in a serious condition in hospital.

The fire broke out at around 7am on Saturday at the family’s home in the Nottinghamshire village of Collingham. It is understood that the children’s 53-year-old grandmother was led to safety.

One friend wrote on social media: “My beautiful best friend and her two beautiful children all taken in such awful circumstances. Gav is still fighting at present. I love you so much Justine, Izzy and Harvey.”

Another posted: “Woken up in a sweat. Still can’t believe it’s true! Just can’t stop thinking about the awful news of Justine Collison and her children passing away. You never know when your last breath will be. She took life by the horns and lived it to the fullest, still nowhere near long enough.

“My head is blown my heart is heavy. Devastated for ALL the family that I grew up with that treasured her and her children so much. I’m constantly praying for you all. I have no words to say, just tears and lot of love to you all. So, so sorry for your loss.”

Ch Insp Rich Stapleford of Nottinghamshire police said: “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, friends and the community of Collingham at this difficult time.” Police and the fire service are working to establish the cause of the blaze.

A church service was held for the family in the village on Sunday.

Robert Jenrick, the Conservative MP for Newark, said on Saturday: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who died in Collingham today – and with those being cared for in hospital.

“Thank you to the fire, police and ambulance services for your work. As we approach Christmas, a family devastated by an horrific fire reminds us all of those we love and care for and the fragility of life.”