Mum of three children killed in fire shows signs of recovery

The mother of three children who died in a flat blaze in Renfrewshire is no longer in a life threatening condition.

The 39-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital after the fire at Renfrew Road, Paisley, on Friday night.

Siblings Fiona, Alexander James and Philip Gibson – aged 12, eight and five – died a short time after being admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Police have said they are not treating the incident, which happened around 9pm, as suspicious.

Chief inspector Rhona Fraser said: “My thoughts are with the family and the effect this has had on them and the local community.

“Officers remain at the address while enquiries continue. This is standard procedure and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Flowers and other tributes have since been left at the scene of the fire.

Alex Gibson, their father, wrote on Facebook: “May u rest in peace little angels.”

He later added: “How I miss them already, now I know what it feels like when your world comes crashing down.”

Tributes have also been made to the children by the head teachers of their schools.

Julie McCallum, head teacher at Mary Russell School, said: “Our school community is deeply saddened by the tragic news of yesterday. Words cannot express the sadness we are feeling.

“Fiona was a wee shining light in our Mary Russell family and to lose three young lives in this way is devastating for everyone.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all affected by this tragedy at this very sad time.”

Emma Henry, head teacher at St Catherine’s Primary School, said: “We are truly saddened by the loss of Alexander and Phillip. They were both full of energy and such an important part of our school.

“Both boys loved the outdoors and frequently talked about their regular visits to the park. They never ceased to make us smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”