Four people die in Bootle house fire

Four people have died in a house fire in Bootle, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have said.

Chief fire officer Nick Searle said another person had been taken to hospital following the “intense fire which spread very rapidly” in Stone Square at 03:45 BST.

The street was cordoned off by police and fire officers could be seen knocking on the doors of neighbouring homes.

One neighbour said: “I heard shouting in the early hours but I just thought someone was having an argument, then I came downstairs and saw all the fire engines.”

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