Four children have died in a house fire in England, police have said.
Police and emergency services were called to reports of a fire in Staffordshire at 2.40am on Tuesday.
Officers have said a search at the property is ongoing and the Stafford Fire and Rescue Service is investigating the cause of the blaze.
Two adults and a fifth child are being treated in hospital for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) were called to the blaze by the fire service.
Staffordshire Police said in a statement: "Our thoughts are with the family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time."
It is with great sadness we can confirm the deaths of four children at a house fire in Highfields, Stafford, in the early hours of this morning (Feb 5). More information here - https://t.co/sFfDVWuAOH pic.twitter.com/ocD5uNHlcB
— Staffordshire Police (@StaffsPolice) February 5, 2019
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with the family of those involved in this awful tragic incident.
"We'll be carrying out a joint fire investigation into the cause of the fire with @StaffsPolice."
Four children have tragically died in a house fire in Stafford in the early hours of this morning. @OFFICIALWMAS responded to the scene along with colleagues @StaffsPolice and @StaffsFire. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. More info -https://t.co/4nHcjzi36a pic.twitter.com/pd4yX6cxeQ
— West Midlands Ambulance Service (@OFFICIALWMAS) February 5, 2019
Two paramedics, three ambulances, a hazardous area response team, a trauma team and an emergency doctor attended the scene.
A WMAS spokeswoman said: "When crews arrived they found an ongoing serious house fire. Three occupants, two adults and a child, had managed to get out of the property.
"All three patients were assessed and treated on scene by ambulance staff for non-life threatening injuries before being taken to hospital for further care.
"Tragically, four children from the property were confirmed dead on scene.
"Our thoughts are with the family at this exceptionally difficult time."
