The first picture has been released of four-year-old Kiki, the “beautiful and happy” little girl who tragically lost her life when a devastating house fire tore through her family’s home in Lynemouth, Northumberland.
Emergency services were called to Kingsley Road around 9.30pm on Monday (March 17) following reports of a serious fire at a residential property.
While Kiki’s mother, in her 20s, and her younger sister managed to escape with injuries, the young girl could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a heartbreaking tribute shared on Facebook, Kiki’s devastated mother wrote:
“I miss you baby girl, fly high and rest easy my gorgeous angel.”
Photos of Kiki, shared alongside the tribute, show a smiling child full of life — a memory that will live on for her family and the wider community who are reeling from the loss.
It is understood Kiki was named after her aunt, who has since been helping to collect clothing donations for the grieving mother and her surviving daughter, whose home and possessions were destroyed in the blaze.
Neighbour’s Brave Rescue Attempt
Neighbour Steven Common, 58, courageously tried to save Kiki by entering the burning house with a wet tea towel, crawling on his knees through the flames in a desperate rescue attempt.
His partner, Karen Coulson, 68, told reporters:
“He got to the sofa but had to stop because of the heat and the ceiling was falling down.
The mother was really distressed and I asked her where her child was – she told me she was in the kitchen.
We tried to help, but we just couldn’t get in. The flames were so high, and the other door was locked. We started banging on doors trying to get neighbours out.”
Community Shocked by Tragedy
The tragedy has deeply affected the tight-knit village. Mr Gill, a local shopkeeper at Gills Store, said:
“It’s really terrible, terrible. I’m very shocked. I don’t know what happened. It’s really shocked all the village, everybody.”
Tributes left at the scene described Kiki as a “happy and smiley”, “precious”, and “forever young” child.
Police and Fire Investigation Ongoing
Police and fire officials are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze. Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, the senior investigating officer, said:
“This is an absolutely devastating incident in which a young girl has tragically lost her life.
All of our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
Inquiries remain at a very early stage, and with the support of our partners from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, we are determined to establish exactly what happened.
We are asking anyone with information – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem – to come forward and share what they know.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via 101 or visit northumbria.police.uk.
