Fire that killed mum and three children caused by e-scooter battery

A house fire that killed a mother and three of her children was caused by an e-scooter lithium-ion battery which was on charge at the time, the fire service has confirmed.

Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children, Leo, 16, Ellis, eight, and Prudence, seven, died after the blaze "spread rapidly" inside their home on Stone Square in Bootle, Merseyside, in the early hours of last Tuesday.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service initially said only that the fire was caused by an "electrical event" linked to a lithium-ion battery but has now provided the new detail.

Head of fire prevention Kev Johnson said the fire "highlights the very real risks posed by lithium-ion batteries".

Six fire engines dealt with the blaze at its height at the semi-detached house.

A man was was also taken to hospital suffering from burns.

Paying tribute, Brabin's relatives said she was a "devoted and loving mother who lived for her children".

They said the family had been left "heartbroken" and their "unimaginable" loss would be "felt forever".

They also said "our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure", adding they were "devastated".

An online fundraiser set up to help the family has so far raised more than £13,000.

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