Two parents and their daughter have died in a house fire in Hemel Hempstead.

Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide after firefighters were called to a blaze at a property in Stuarts Close at around lunchtime yesterday.

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed last night that three people had died in the house fire.

The victims were a couple, who were aged 57 and 50, and their 24-year-old daughter.

They have been named by a neighbour as Gary and Caroline Walker, and their daughter Katie.

Their neighbour across the street has today (Monday) described the moment he glanced out his front window and saw smoke pouring out one of the windows of the home.

The 67-year-old man, who called the emergency services shortly after 12.30pm on Sunday, said: "I just looked out the window and saw smoke, it was coming out of their bathroom window.

"If you see smoke, it relates to fire. So I just got straight on the phone to the fire brigade.

"I didn't see any fire, just the smoke."

He said that the family had lived there "for years", and added: "They were such a nice family. Very quiet, but very nice."

Police remain on the scene this morning after launching a major investigation into the fire.

Harrow Times:

A forensic tent outside the house. Credit: SWNS

Harrow Times:

Credit: SWNS

Two forensic vehicles and three police cars sat outside the house, as forensic officers went in and out.

There is no sign of fire damage to the exterior of the home - save for a small, black smoke mark outside the bathroom window.

At around 1pm today, Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed it had launched a murder investigation but later added that it was "not looking for anyone else in connection to this incident at this time".

Harrow Times:

Credit: SWNS

A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesman said: "Detectives have launched a murder investigation following an incident in Hemel Hempstead yesterday (Sunday 29 March).

"Police were called at 12.34pm to a property in Stuarts Close, Hemel Hempstead.

"Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were already in attendance as there was a fire at the address.

"Officers and paramedics attended but sadly three people were pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification is yet to take place however they are believed to be two women, aged 50 and 24, and a man, aged 57."

Detective Inspector Iain MacPherson, from the Beds, Cambs and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “We are treating this as an isolated incident. Our early inquiries have led us to believe there is no threat to the wider community.

“Police are following all lines of enquiry and considering all possible motives.

“We are dealing with three suspicious deaths and are not looking for anyone else in connection to this incident at this time.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this incident.

“We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and forensic officers and the fire investigation team remain at the location as part of this."