SCHOOLS PAY HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES TO THREE CHILDREN KILLED IN BOOTLE HOUSE FIRE

Three schools have paid deeply emotional tributes to Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, 8, and Prudence “Pru” Brabin, 7, who died alongside their mother in a devastating house fire in Bootle, Merseyside.

The children were killed in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22, when a fire broke out at their home on Stone Square.

Their mother, Elisha Brabin, 36, also died in the tragedy.

Emergency crews were called to the property at around 3:45 a.m., where firefighters found the semi-detached house already well alight. Four people were later found in an upstairs bedroom and were pronounced dead at the scene.

A fifth person was taken to hospital with burns.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service described the blaze as an “intense fire which spread very rapidly.” A joint investigation with Merseyside Police is now underway to establish the cause of the fire.

“SHE BROUGHT JOY TO EVERYONE AROUND HER”

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

Headteacher Liz Wynne remembered her as a child whose personality brought happiness to those around her.

“Pru brought joy to everyone around her with her bright personality, incredible imagination, and remarkable memory,” Wynne said.

She described Prudence as enthusiastic about life, particularly dancing and creative craft activities.

The headteacher also remembered her friendly nature and warm smile, saying she made a lasting impression on both pupils and staff.

Pru often spoke about her family with love and pride, according to the school.

“She was cherished by both pupils and staff,” Wynne said, adding that the school would continue supporting children and staff through the difficult period.

ELLIS REMEMBERED FOR HIS KINDNESS

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

Headteacher Liam Daniels said Ellis had made an immediate impact after joining the school and formed close relationships with pupils and staff.

He described the boy as gentle, determined, exceptionally polite and kind.

Ellis was also proud of his artwork, which he regularly shared with teachers.

The headteacher said the school would particularly miss hearing Ellis talk about the things he enjoyed outside the classroom — including the vegetables he was growing in his garden.

“He was a much-loved member of our school community,” Daniels said.

His loss, he added, would be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.

LEO REMEMBERED AS A “BEAUTIFUL SOUL”

Leo, 16, attended Presfield School in Southport.

His headteacher, Lucy McLoughghlin, described him as a “gentle, innocent and beautiful soul” who viewed the world in a unique and positive way.

Leo took pride in helping his classmates and was particularly happy during school residential trips.

He was also described as a core member of the Presfield community, remembered for his smile, kindness and love of learning.

The school said Leo demonstrated determination while overcoming challenges and developing into a mature and thoughtful young man.

“Leo has left an immeasurable impact on Presfield and we will miss him very much,” McLoughghlin said.

FAMILY “DEVASTATED” BY LOSS

The children’s family released a statement following the tragedy, describing the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence as “unimaginable.”

They said Elisha had been a devoted mother who “lived for her children,” while the three children had brought joy, laughter and precious memories to the family.

“Our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure,” the family said.

They also asked for privacy as they grieve and support one another.

“Our whole family is devastated by the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence,” they said.

BOOTLE COMMUNITY MOURNS

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community.

Flowers, candles, balloons, photographs and children’s soft toys have been placed near the scene on Stone Square.

Cards left at the site included messages such as “Forever in our hearts” as neighbours and members of the community gathered to remember the family.

The schools are now supporting pupils and staff as they process the devastating loss of three young members of their communities.

Meanwhile, investigators continue working to determine how the fire started.

For those who knew Leo, Ellis and Pru, however, the investigation is only one part of a tragedy that has already left three school communities grieving children remembered for their kindness, creativity, smiles and the joy they brought to others.