Tributes have been paid to a mother and her three children who died in a house fire in Merseyside.

Elisha Brabin and her three children, Leo, 16, Ellis Brabin, 8, and Prudence Brabin, 7, were killed after a fire ripped through their semi-detached home in Bootle, Liverpool at 4am on Tuesday.

Their father Kane Stephenson is understood to have desperately tried to rescue those inside, breaking windows before being forced back by the flames. 

Emergency services were called at around 3.45am after reports that the property was ‘well alight’ which six fire engines attended.

Firefighters later discovered the bodies of the four family members in an upstairs bedroom.

In a tribute issued today the family said: ‘Our whole family is devastated by the loss of Elisha, Leo, Ellis and Prudence.

‘Elisha was our beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunty, niece and cousin. She was a devoted and loving mother who lived for her children. They were her whole world, and she meant everything to us.

‘Our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure and brought so much joy, happiness and love to our family. They filled our lives with laughter and precious memories that we will cherish forever.

‘The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken. They have all been taken from us far too soon. The loss we are experiencing is unimaginable, and the impact on our family will be felt forever.’

They added: ‘As we try to come to terms with this devastating tragedy, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected whilst we grieve and support one another through this incredibly difficult time. We would like to thank everyone for their kindness, support and understanding.’

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family raising nearly £5,000 of their £9,000 target in one day. 

The fundraiser said: ‘Our community has been left heartbroken following a devastating house fire that has tragically taken the lives of members of a family.

‘At a time of unimaginable grief, we want to come together to support the family’s loved ones and help ease some of the financial pressures they may now be facing.

‘Our thoughts are with the family, their loved ones and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss.’

The organiser Loti Nambobe posted on Facebook: ‘Kane, the dad and the beautiful dog survived. Their young lad, also survived because he wasn’t there that night. He has now lost his mum and three siblings.

‘As a community, we’re coming together to support Kane and the family dog Vecki through the unimaginable and to pay for the funeral.’

He told the BBC: ‘It’s a community. It’s broken. It hurts.’

‘There were guys that tried to go in. People were doing everything, honestly. Like everyone here is a family and it’s broken everyone.’

Flowers, balloons, candles and soft toys including Minecraft and Star Wars characters have been laid in tribute at the scene. 

One card had the message: ‘God bless you all. Heartbroken to hear about the devastating fire.” 

Another said: ‘Sleep tight. Forever in our hearts.’

Cllr Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, said: ‘This is a truly devastating incident that I know will have shocked and saddened people across our communities. 

‘Our thoughts are with the family, their friends, neighbours and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

‘No words can ease the pain of such an unimaginable loss. 

‘However, I hope those who are mourning their loss can take some comfort from the support and compassion I know that people across Bootle and Sefton will show them.’

Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle described the blaze as an ‘intense fire which spread very rapidly’. 

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