Devastation as tragic house fire claims the lives of seven children

Seven children have died after a fire spread through their Brooklyn home in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The blaze, which was sparked by a faulty electrical food warming plate, engulfed the Sassoon family's kitchen and spread rapidly through the house.

Emergency services arrived at the family home three minutes after the 911 call was made, but unfortunately firefighters were unable to save the children who were located upstairs.

Commenting on the tragic case, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro regrettably informed the media: "Firefighters pushed the flames back and when they got up the stairs, they did locate the children, but it was too late."

Mayor Bill de Blasio visited the scene of the tragedy, which has been recorded as the city's deadliest fire in eight years, and said: "You can literally see what was a home for a large strong family and now it's wiped out, every room, empty, burned and charred. This is a tragedy that has very few examples to look at, it's so painful, it's so difficult."

The children, who were aged between five and 16, are survived by their mother and sister who managed to leap to safety from the blazing building.

Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy.