Mother and three children killed in Merseyside house fire named

A mother and her three children, who were killed in a house fire in Bootle, Merseyside, have been named.

Merseyside Police identified them as Elisha Brabin, 36, Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin.

The family said they have suffered an "unimaginable" loss following Tuesday's blaze.

In a tribute issued through police, they said: "Our whole family is devastated by the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence.

"Elisha was our beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, auntie, niece and cousin. She was a devoted and loving mother who lived for her children. They were her whole world, and she meant everything to us.

"Our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure and brought so much joy, happiness and love to our family. They filled our lives with laughter and precious memories that we will cherish forever.

"The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken. They have all been taken from us far too soon. The loss we are experiencing is unimaginable, and the impact on our family will be felt forever."

Firefighters were called to the house on Stone Square at 3.38am on Tuesday.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said the four victims were found in an upstairs bedroom of the semi-detached home by crews who went in to tackle the fire.

One person found outside the property was taken to hospital with burns.

Chief fire officer Nick Searle, of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said it was an "intense fire which spread very rapidly".

Six engines were on scene at the height of the blaze and eight firefighters entered the house, said a spokesperson.

"I heard shouting in the early hours but I just thought someone was having an argument," said a neighbour. "Then I came downstairs and saw all the fire engines."

Police and firefighters are jointly investigating the cause of the blaze.

A GoFundMe page has raised more than £5,000 for the family.

Neighbour Loti Nambombe, who set up the fundraiser, said: "Everybody just wants to do something to help, that's our duty as neighbours and as a community."

He said funds could go towards funeral costs or anything else the family needed.

Flowers have been left at the scene as members of the local community paid their respects.

A number of soft toys were laid on the pavement next to a police cordon, along with candles, star-shaped balloons and photo frames with images of the family.

One card displayed the message: "God bless you all. Heartbroken to hear about the devastating fire."

Another said: "Sleep tight. Forever in our hearts."

(c) Sky News 2026: Mother and three children killed in Merseyside house fire named