Four people have died after a fire tore through a home in Merseyside during the early hours of this morning.
Six fire engines and eight firefighters scrambled to the scene of an 'intense fire which was spreading rapidly' at a semi-detached property in Bootle at 3.38am.
Crew members wearing breathing apparatus rushed inside, where they found four people 'showing no signs of life'.
All four of those casualties have died, the fire service confirmed this afternoon.
Another person who was discovered outside the home was rushed to hospital by the North West Ambulance Service.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) and Merseyside Police have now launched an investigation to establish the cause of the inferno.
A large police presence remains at the scene after firefighters dampened the area earlier today. A cordon also remains in place.
One neighbour, who witnessed the blaze, said: 'We all came out on the front and we could see smoke coming over from the houses. The sirens woke me up and there were fire engines in the street.'
Another woman said: 'I heard shouting in the early hours but I just thought someone was having an argument, then I came downstairs and saw all the fire engines.'
Four people are confirmed to have died after a fire tore through a house in Merseyside on Tuesday
Two firefighters are pictured at the scene this morning after the inferno was put out
Forensic investigators from Merseyside Police are seen outside the home on Stone Square in Bootle
A police cordon has remained at the home this afternoon along with fire engines
MFRS Area Manager Kevin Longshaw said: 'This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured.
'We will work closely with relevant colleagues to ascertain the cause of the fire, but in the immediate term, we again extend our sincere condolences to those affected by this tragic incident.'
Nick Searle, Chief Fire Officer at MFRS, said in a statement from the scene: 'Firstly, our thoughts are with everyone who's been affected by the tragic incident this morning.
'After a 999 call to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service fire control room at 3.30am this morning, crews from surrounding stations were informed and mobilised to the scene with the first fire engine arriving at 3.45am.
'The initial fire crews arrived to find the semi-detached house well alight. Crews were wearing breathing apparatus, entered the building to search the property for occupants.
'Six fire engines were in attendance at the height of the incident. On arrival of the fire crews, a casualty was already outside of the property, and was taken into the care of North West Ambulance Service and subsequently transferred to hospital.
'During the course of the search of the property, firefighters discovered four casualties, showing no signs of life, and it's now been confirmed that all four have tragically lost their lives.
'There will now be a full joint investigation with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police into the cause of the fire. Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of those lost, and fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the community over the coming days.'