Lithium-ion battery caused Merseyside fire that killed mother and three children

Crews arrived at the house at about 3.45 a.m. on Tuesday 22 September, MFRS said. Four people were found in an upstairs bedroom showing no signs of life. North West Ambulance's hazardous area response team later confirmed that all four had died.

Police named the victims as Elisha Brabin, 36; Leo Brabin, 16; Ellis Brabin, eight; and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin. At the height of the fire, six crews were at the scene and eight firefighters entered the house, which was alight when they arrived, the fire service said.

MFRS head of prevention said: 'This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the mother and children who lost their lives and those who were injured. This tragedy highlights the very real risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which we confirmed as the source of the fire.' The fire service did not confirm what the lithium-ion battery at the home was being used for.

In the same statement, Johnson said: 'We're urging people to follow the manufacturer's instructions, only using batteries and chargers which have been supplied with the vehicle or approved by the manufacturer, as anything else can pose a huge fire risk.' Johnson also said it was important to know and recognise signs that a lithium-ion battery may be failing. 'If it is swelling, making unusual sounds, has a strong smell, is failing to charge, or is smoking, please stop using immediately.'

In a tribute issued on Wednesday, relatives of the victims said: 'Elisha was our beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunty, niece and cousin. She was a devoted and loving mother who lived for her children. They were her whole world, and she meant everything to us.' They added: 'Our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure and brought so much joy, happiness and love to our family. They filled our lives with laughter and precious memories that we will cherish for ever.' The family said the loss had left them heartbroken and that Elisha and the three children had been taken from them far too soon, with an impact that would be felt for ever.