Police name girl and father killed in house fire

Police have named a nine-year-old girl and her father who were killed in a house fire in West Yorkshire.

Sohaib Ahmed, 38, and his daughter Manahal died in the blaze which broke out in Russell Close, Heckmondwike, on Sunday.

Mr Ahmed‘s 11-year-old daughter, who was seriously injured in the fire, is fighting for her life in hospital.

This was just a local family on a very regular street in Heckmondwike and a tragic accident has taken place

West Yorkshire Police said it is still investigating the cause of the fire.

Darren O’Donovan, a councillor for Dewsbury West and chairman of the fire authority, said early indications suggested “the fire started in the kitchen area and its ignition source was a tumble dryer”.

He added: “There are a number of tumble dryers that have been recalled by a number of manufacturers.

“That’s the tragedy: this was just a local family on a very regular street in Heckmondwike and a tragic accident has taken place.

“I think the community is rallying and pulling together to support other members of the family and friends that are affected by this.”

Councillor Ali Arshad, who represents Heckmondwike on Kirklees Council as a member of the Kirklees Community Independents Group, said the family of the victims were “absolutely amazing people”.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it sent four crews to tackle the blaze, which was reported at around 6am.