Three young children believed to be under the age of 6 and an adult have died in a house fire in Beswick, Manchester on Thursday night.
A boy escaped safe and well after being treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.
The end terraced house has been left gutted by the flames, which were so intense that the staircase collapsed after fire crews went upstairs.
The fire was eventually brought under control and police say the boy is already thought to have been released from hospital.
The police and fire service had launched a joint investigation.
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