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Woman and child killed in Braintree house fire Woman and child killed in Braintree house fire
(about 2 hours later)
A woman and child have died following a night time house fire. Witnesses have told of desperate efforts to save the lives of a woman and child killed in a house fire.
Two women escaped from the house in South Street, Braintree, shortly before 23:00 GMT on Wednesday. Firefighters said the house was "completely alight". Two women managed to escaped the house in South Street, Braintree, shortly before 23:00 GMT on Wednesday.
But a woman and child were trapped inside and died at the scene, Essex Police said.But a woman and child were trapped inside and died at the scene, Essex Police said.
A police spokesman said a joint police and fire service investigation was under way. The two injured women were taken to hospital. Neighbour Claire Deloubes told of screams and vain efforts to break through a window.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by Essex Police and the fire service.
Live: Latest updates on this story hereLive: Latest updates on this story here
The force said the two women, who were suffering with the effects of breathing in smoke, managed to get out of the house before emergency services arrived.The force said the two women, who were suffering with the effects of breathing in smoke, managed to get out of the house before emergency services arrived.
Ms Deloubes, of South Street, said: "We heard screaming so we came outside and a woman was distraught.
"People were trying to break the front window and they didn't manage to.
"Within minutes the house was ablaze and the fire service came, and we were asked to go back inside.
"It was horrendous."
Braintree MP James Cleverly said he was contacted early on Thursday morning by police to be briefed on the deaths.Braintree MP James Cleverly said he was contacted early on Thursday morning by police to be briefed on the deaths.
He said: "It is such sad and shocking news when members of a young family lose their lives in any circumstances and at any time.He said: "It is such sad and shocking news when members of a young family lose their lives in any circumstances and at any time.
"But obviously, under these circumstances, just before Christmas, it is absolutely tragic.""But obviously, under these circumstances, just before Christmas, it is absolutely tragic."
From the scene: Richard Smith, BBC EssexFrom the scene: Richard Smith, BBC Essex
The detached Victorian-style home has been gutted.The detached Victorian-style home has been gutted.
The roof has burned through from the front gable to the rear and all of the windows are broken.The roof has burned through from the front gable to the rear and all of the windows are broken.
Beyond the police cordon, debris lies all around the house.Beyond the police cordon, debris lies all around the house.
People are very quietly pausing outside to look.People are very quietly pausing outside to look.
The power was cut to the detached house at about 01:00 on Thursday so fire crews could tackle flames from inside the building.The power was cut to the detached house at about 01:00 on Thursday so fire crews could tackle flames from inside the building.
The fire was put out shortly before 01:30.The fire was put out shortly before 01:30.
Essex Police, which dispatched its helicopter to the area, has yet to confirm the relationship between the woman and the child who died or whether the cause of the fire was thought to be suspicious.Essex Police, which dispatched its helicopter to the area, has yet to confirm the relationship between the woman and the child who died or whether the cause of the fire was thought to be suspicious.