A man whose wife and two young children died in a flat fire in Nottingham has said it is “inconceivable” to think who might have “committed this cruel crime against my family”.
Aboubacarr Drammeh’s wife Fatoumatta Hydara and their two young daughters – Fatimah, three, and one-year-old Naeemah – died in hospital following a blaze at their Clifton home on Sunday.
Paying tribute, 40-year-old Mr Drammeh, who flew back from America following the fire, said: “It is with great sadness that we have lost Fatoumatta and our two daughters in such a tragic way.
“Fatoumatta had lived a short but a very beautiful and fulfilling life. A former voluntary worker, Fatoumatta was a very happy, bubbly woman who wouldn’t have the heart to hurt a fly.
“It is therefore inconceivable to think who might have committed this cruel crime against my family.
“We thank the Ahmadi Muslim community in Nottinghamshire, the Gambian community, the local neighbours and all those well-wishers for their continuous support in this difficult time.
“I and my in-laws are left without any daughters, grandchildren and nieces. I will deeply miss my family.”
The sisters were pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after the fire broke out just after 3am on Sunday.
Nottinghamshire Police said their mother, aged 28, had been placed on a life support machine, but died on Tuesday morning.
‘No words can describe the pain’
A triple murder inquiry is continuing, with detectives continuing to question a 31-year-old man from Clifton.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski, who is leading the investigation, said: “No words can describe the pain the family of the victims are all feeling right now and we are doing everything possible to get them the justice they deserve.”
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He thanked everyone who has already come forward with information for aiding the investigation and encouraged anyone who has footage from the surrounding area or information that could assist police inquiries to “get in touch”.
Police at the scene in Nottingham on Sunday
“Every piece of evidence we can gather will get us closer to achieving that goal – so please get in touch with us if you know anything or were in or around Fairisle Close between between 12am and 4.30am on Sunday morning,” he added.
