MOTHER AND THREE CHILDREN DIE IN BOOTLE HOUSE FIRE AS FAMILY PAYS HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

A mother and her three children have died after a devastating house fire in Bootle, Merseyside, leaving a family and an entire community mourning four lives lost in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The victims have been identified as Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, 8, and Prudence Brabin, 7.

They died following a fire at their home on Stone Square on September 22, 2026.

FIREFIGHTERS RUSHED TO THE HOUSE IN THE EARLY HOURS

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service received a call at approximately 3:38 a.m. and arrived at the semi-detached property around seven minutes later.

The house was already well alight when crews arrived, with Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle describing it as an “intense fire which spread very rapidly.”

Six fire engines attended the incident at its height, while eight firefighters entered the property to search for anyone trapped inside and tackle the flames.

During the search, firefighters discovered four people in an upstairs bedroom. All four were showing no signs of life and were later confirmed to have died.

A fifth person was found outside the property and was taken to hospital suffering from burns.

FOUR LIVES LOST

The four victims were later identified as Elisha and her three children.

Their deaths were formally announced as the investigation continued, prompting an outpouring of grief from relatives, neighbours and members of the Bootle community.

A family tribute released through Merseyside Police described Elisha as a “devoted and loving mother who lived for her children.”

Her family said her children were her whole world and described Leo, Ellis and Prudence as deeply loved members of the family.

“The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken,” the family said.

“THEIR LOSS WILL BE FELT FOREVER”

In their tribute, the family said the children had brought laughter, happiness and precious memories to their lives.

They described the loss as unimaginable and said the impact on the family would continue to be felt forever.

The relatives have asked the public to respect their privacy while they grieve and support one another.

They also thanked people for the kindness and support shown to them following the tragedy.

BOOTLE COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER

The tragedy has deeply affected the local community.

Flowers, candles, balloons and children’s soft toys have been left near the police cordon on Stone Square as neighbours and members of the public pay tribute.

Cards left at the scene included messages such as “God bless you all” and “Sleep tight. Forever in our hearts.”

A fundraising page set up by a neighbour had also raised thousands of pounds to support the family following the deaths.

The response has highlighted the grief felt throughout the community as residents come to terms with the loss of a mother and three children.

INVESTIGATION INTO THE FIRE CONTINUES

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police are carrying out a joint investigation to establish how the fire started.

Authorities have not yet established the cause of the blaze, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Fire service officials have expressed their condolences to the family and to the person who was injured and taken to hospital.

For now, relatives are focused on mourning Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence.

Four members of one family were lost in a matter of hours — leaving behind a community now surrounded by flowers, photographs, candles and messages of remembrance.