Boy and aunt died after fire rapidly spread through house
An inquest has concluded into the fatal blaze
Good morning and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. Today, an inquest is concluded into a tragic house fire, Christmas and New Year bin collection dates and more.
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Inquest into boy and aunt killed in house fire
A nine-year-old boy and his aunt died after a naked flame started a fire which rapidly spread through a Nottinghamshire house, an inquest has found.
The devastating fire broke out at a property in Rawson Street, Selston, just before 1am on Sunday, 14 January 2024.
Riley Chambers, aged nine, and his aunt Siobhan Abbott, aged 24, both died several days later from injuries sustained in the blaze.
The inquest, which took place on Monday, 16 December at Nottingham Coroner’s Court, found that the fire was caused by a naked flame coming into contact with combustible materials.
This ignited a fire that quickly spread throughout the property, causing extensive damage.
The court heard that Riley had been put to bed by his mother at 7.30pm on Saturday, 13 January, following their usual bedtime routine.
Siobhan returned to the house later that evening, after 9.30pm.
Riley’s parents and sister were asleep on the ground floor when they were awoken by the sound of smoke alarms. Fortunately, they managed to escape the property unharmed.
Firefighters from Ashfield, Eastwood, and Alfreton Fire Stations responded to the incident.
They rescued Siobhan from a top bedroom using a ladder, and Riley was found in his parents' bedroom.
Both were treated at the scene by East Midlands Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Chris Navin, Station Manager and Fire Investigator at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “After thorough investigations with Nottinghamshire Police, it has been determined that the most likely cause of this tragic incident was a naked flame combined with combustible materials.”
He emphasised the importance of fire safety, urging homeowners to have working smoke alarms and a clear escape route.
“We also offer fire safety interventions and home fire risk assessments to help prevent such tragedies,” he added.
Assistant Coroner Mr Nathanael Hartley expressed his condolences to the families, acknowledging the profound loss. “Siobhan was beautiful and sorely missed by many, and Riley’s life was taken far too early,” he said.
Big trade boost for gluten free and vegan bakery
A Hucknall businesswoman says she has seen a significant increase in customers and trade after help provided through a partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org.
The six-month programme, aimed at revitalising Hucknall's High Street and shopping centre, offered businesses new ideas and strategies to boost footfall and trading opportunities.
The initiative was funded by the £3.2 million allocated to Ashfield from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), part of the government’s Levelling Up agenda to enhance local communities.
Lauren Watson, owner of Guilt Free Pleasures, a gluten free and vegan bakery, moved into a shop in Annesley Road, Hucknall, five years ago. She encourages other Ashfield businesses to explore similar support opportunities.
Christmas bin collection dates announced
Bin collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period have been confirmed by Ashfield District Council.
A number of collection dates have been moved due to Bank Holidays over the period.
The changed dates are as follows:
Monday December 23 will be moved to Saturday December 21.
Tuesday December 24 is moved to Monday December 23.
Wednesday December 25 will be collected on Tuesday December 24.
Thursday December 26 will now be collected on Friday December 27
Friday December 27 collection is moved to Saturday December 28.
Monday December 30 and Tuesday December 31 collection dates remain the same.
Wednesday January 1 moves to Thursday January 2.
Thursday January 2 collections will move to Friday January 3.
Friday January 3 moves to Saturday January 4.
Nail salon plan for town centre
A new nail salon could open close to a Nottinghamshire shopping centre, after plans were submitted for the project.
The site at 4a Market Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, is empty and developers are applying to change the use of the building to allow the salon to operate.
A spokesperson said: “The proposed change of use is considered to be appropriate to the commercial locality and there would be no material harm to the vitality of this retail location, which ensures that the proposed change application harmonises with the existing street scene.
“Moreover, the change of use is line with the council strategy to strengthen the diverse town centres and promote retail uses.”
A decision is expected to be made by February 6.
Arrest over indecent act in public
A man has been arrested following reports of an indecent act in public in Hucknall.
The incident occurred in Garden Road, Hucknall, at about 8.30am on Monday, 16 December, Nottinghamshire Police said.
A 45-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, 17 December, on suspicion of exposure. He has since been released on conditional police bail as investigations continue.
Inspector Chris Boylin, district commander for Ashfield, said: “This was an upsetting incident and was treated with the utmost seriousness. Extensive local enquiries have now led us to a suspect, and our investigation remains ongoing.”
Anyone with further information is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 111 of 16 December 2024.