Langley Mill fire: inquest into fatal blaze ‘pending inquiries’

Amy Smith, Ruby-Grace Gaunt and Ed Green (L-R) were killed in a fire in Langley Mill.

The Coroner’s investigation into the deaths of Amy Jessica Andrea Smith, 17, Edward William Green, 17, and Amy’s six-month-old baby Ruby-Grace Gaunt opened today at Derby Coroner’s Office, 1pm.

A spokesperson for the Coroner confirmed: “The inquest has been opened an adjourned by senior coroner, Dr Robert Hunter, pending further inquiries by the police.

“Identification has been completed by DNA,” the office added.

Flowers and gifts were left in tribute at the scene of the fire, North St, Langley Mill.

The young victims of a flat fire died on Sunday, June 21 at 59a North Street, Langley Mill.

Peter Eyre, 43, Anthony Eyre, 21, both of Central Avenue, Sandiacre, and Simon Eyre, 24, from New Tythe Street, Long Eaton have all been charged with three counts of murder.

The father and two sons went before Chesterfield Magistrates Court on June 26, and the case has been adjourned until Friday, July 10 at Nottingham Crown Court.

A 17-year-old from Long Eaton who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail.

Police have revealed the three died of smoke inhalation.

Ruby-Grace’s father Shaun Gaunt, 18 - Amy’s boyfriend - was rescued from the three-storey property by neighbours. Another friend, aged 17, also escaped the blaze.

Edward Green, a student at Derby College and previously a pupil at Heanor Gate Science College, is remembered as a hero after it emerged he had escaped before going back into the house to try and save Amy and Ruby-Grace.

Parents Wayne and Amanda Green said he was a ball of sunshine whose smile shone each and every day

In a statement released on Wednesday they said: “Our son was a wonderful young man whose life has been devastatingly cut short in circumstances we still cannot comprehend.

“Edward was an incredible son and brother who had a huge zest for life and welcomed every challenge with determination and enthusiasm.

“He was a warm, compassionate boy whose infectious personality has left an impression on all of those who were fortunate enough to meet him.

“Our thoughts are with those who loved Amy and Ruby-Grace, who were so tragically taken alongside our beloved son. We will never understand why our children have been taken from us.”