SCHOOLS PAY HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES TO CHILDREN KILLED IN BOOTLE HOUSE FIRE — COMMUNITY LEFT DEVASTATED BY TRAGEDY

The schools of three children who died alongside their mother in a devastating house fire in Bootle have paid emotional tributes as the local community struggles to come to terms with the loss.

Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, 8, and Prudence “Pru” Brabin, 7, died with their mother, Elisha Brabin, 36, after a fire tore through their home on Stone Square in Bootle, Merseyside, in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Fire crews were called to the property shortly before 3:45 a.m. and arrived to find the semi-detached house already well alight.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property to search for those inside and tackle what officials described as an intense fire that spread rapidly.

Four victims were eventually found in an upstairs bedroom. A fifth person was taken to hospital with burns.

“A SPECIAL LIGHT” — TRIBUTE TO 7-YEAR-OLD PRUDENCE

Prudence, known affectionately as Pru, was a pupil at Acre View School.

Headteacher Liz Wynne described the seven-year-old as a child who brought happiness to those around her.

Pru was remembered for her bright personality, incredible imagination and remarkable memory.

She particularly loved dancing and creative craft activities, with her enthusiasm for life shining through in the things she enjoyed.

Her school said she had a friendly nature and warm smile, and that she often spoke about her family with love and pride.

She was described as cherished by both pupils and staff, who will remember the happiness and kindness she brought to the school community.

ELLIS REMEMBERED FOR HIS KINDNESS AND LOVE OF ART

Eight-year-old Ellis attended St Elizabeth’s Primary School in Litherland.

Headteacher Liam Daniels said Ellis had made a positive impression from the moment he joined the school.

Although gentle by nature, Ellis was also determined and always tried his best, both inside and outside the classroom.

He was remembered as polite, kind and well-mannered, with a particular passion for artwork.

His teachers also remembered the conversations he enjoyed having about his life outside school — especially the vegetables he was growing in his garden, something that gave him considerable happiness and pride.

The school described him as a much-loved member of its community and said his absence would be deeply felt.

LEO REMEMBERED AS A “GENTLE” AND “BEAUTIFUL SOUL”

Sixteen-year-old Leo attended Presfield School in Southport.

His headteacher, Lucy McLoughghlin, remembered him as a gentle and innocent young person who viewed the world with a unique sense of wonder.

Leo was known for helping his peers and particularly enjoyed school residential trips.

His school said he had an infectious smile, genuine kindness and a love of learning.

He was also praised for his resilience and determination as he grew into a mature and thoughtful young man.

“Leo has left an immeasurable impact on Presfield,” the school said, adding that he would be deeply missed.

FAMILY: “THEY WERE HER WHOLE WORLD”

The children’s mother, Elisha Brabin, 36, also died in the fire.

In a statement released through Merseyside Police, the family described Elisha as a devoted mother who lived for her children.

“They were her whole world,” the family said.

The relatives described Leo, Ellis and Prudence as children who were “loved beyond measure” and who brought enormous joy, happiness and love to their family.

They said the three children filled their lives with laughter and precious memories that would be cherished forever.

The family added that the loss of Elisha and the three children had left them heartbroken, describing the impact as unimaginable.

They also asked for privacy while they grieve and thanked members of the community for their kindness and support.

TRIBUTES GROW OUTSIDE THE FAMILY HOME

In the aftermath of the tragedy, flowers, candles, balloons, photographs and children’s soft toys were left near the police cordon outside the property.

Among the tributes were Minecraft and Star Wars toys, alongside cards expressing condolences for the family.

One message read: “Sleep tight. Forever in our hearts.”

Residents have also spoken about attempts by neighbours to help during the fire.

One local resident told the BBC that people tried to use ladders and break windows in an effort to reach those inside, with some putting themselves at considerable risk.

INVESTIGATION INTO THE FIRE CONTINUES

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Officials have not yet established what caused the fire, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Fire service area manager Kevin Longshaw described the incident as devastating and said investigators would work with partner agencies to establish what happened.

For now, however, the focus in Bootle has turned toward remembering four members of the same family — a mother and her three children — whose lives were lost in the early hours of a September morning.

At three schools across Merseyside, teachers and pupils are mourning Leo, Ellis and Pru not simply as victims of a terrible tragedy, but as children remembered for their smiles, kindness, creativity, determination and the happiness they brought to others.