The news that the site of the fire that killed a family of seven was being treated as a murder scene came as a shock to many.

Neighbours gathered in small groups to discuss what had clearly shocked the tight-knit community.

As night fell some huddled in doorways watching as the scene of crime officers and the fire service crew packed up to carry on later today.

Some residents have had enough of the media and scurried away as they were approached while others were happy to talk.

One said: "It's a shock to hear that it is a murder inquiry. I saw the fire and it was fierce. They seemed like a perfectly normal family and there was never any indication that anything like this would happen."

Another neighbour said: "It's very sad. I live close by and it was the screaming that woke me.

"One of the window cleaners who lives here came running over with a ladder. He was in his boxers, there was nothing he could do."

Just before tea-time scene of crime officers changed into their overalls in the street and prepared to join their colleagues in the shell of the house to work on in the generator light and by the flash of their cameras.

Later today they will resume their investigation.