Two brothers have died in a house fire in west Belfast. Robert and Gareth Berkley died in the fire at Sydney Street West in the Shankill area. Their parents and younger brother and sister were treated in hospital for their injuries.
Robert was five and Gareth had recently celebrated his fourth birthday. The fire brigade was called to deal with the fire shortly after 7 a.m. on Saturday. Fire crews found the first floor of the terraced house well alight.
Assistant Divisional Officer Mr Billy Jellie said two people passing by the house, as well as neighbours, had tried to reach the family.
The children who survived were already outside the house when the fire brigade arrived. "We immediately dispatched two teams wearing breathing apparatus equipment," he said.
"They quickly got into the building, carried out a search-and-rescue and brought out two children and one adult. The two children were immediately taken to hospital. Unfortunately, we later discovered that they had died."
Mr Jellie expressed his sympathy to the family. Neighbours said they had heard children crying but were forced back by smoke.
Local people left bunches of flowers outside. The RUC does not believe the fire was started maliciously.
