Child dies in house fire

A child has died this evening in a house fire in Whanganui.

The fire occurred around 7pm a house in Talbot Street and has completely destroyed the home.

A number of people were inside the home when the fire started and neighbours ran to their rescue with at least two members of the public receiving lacerations from broken glass as they tried to reach those inside. Those injured have been taken to hospital for treatment.

It was soon established that a child was missing and the Fire Service have confirmed to Police that there is one fatality believed to be a child under the age of 10. No further details in relation to the age or the gender of the child will be issued until all family members have been spoken to. It is not believed at this stage that any other occupants of the house were injured.

The house is being secured over night and a scene examination will be carried out by Police and Fire in the morning.

The family from the house are very distressed. Police are providing them with support and will be speaking to them later this evening and tomorrow to find out exactly who was in the house and to glean any information about how the fire might have started.

The cause of the fire is at this stage unknown.