Two children and woman killed in Cambridge flat fire named by police

Two children and a woman who died in a devastating flat fire in Cambridge have been named by police.

More than 30 firefighters rushed to attend the blaze in Sackville Close, King’s Hedges, in the early hours of Friday morning.

Two children, a boy and a girl, were rescued from the maisonette fire were rescued, but died later in hospital.

They have now been identified as Lilly Peden, eight, and Oliver Peden, four, by Cambridgeshire Police.

A 31-year-old woman, identified as Gemma Germeney, died at the scene.

A man in his 30s managed to escape the flat before crews arrived, however he suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

Area Commander Stuart Smith said: “This is a devastating and deeply upsetting incident that will touch many people. Our thoughts are with the relatives, friends and neighbours of the family. It’s just heartbreaking.

“We know this will have a huge impact on the local community and our fire safety team was in the area visiting residents yesterday to provide fire safety information and reassurance and will be returning next week.

“A fire like this is one of the toughest incidents you can attend as a firefighter and we’re looking after the welfare of all those who responded to or supported this incident.”