Four people have died and a fifth has been taken to hospital with burns after a house fire on Merseyside.

Six fire engines were at the scene at the height of the blaze at the semi-detached property in Stone Square in Bootle, Sefton, at 03:45 BST.

Eight firefighters searched the house where they discovered four people in an upstairs bedroom, showing no signs of life, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said.

Another casualty, who was outside the property when crews arrived, was taken to hospital.

Officers from Merseyside Police are also at the scene and a joint investigation with the fire service into the cause of the blaze is under way.

The North West Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team also attended the scene of the fire and confirmed the four fatalities.

Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle confirmed the “intense fire [had] spread very rapidly”.

The street was cordoned off by police and, earlier, fire officers could be seen knocking on neighbours’ doors.

One 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.”

Another local resident, who did not want to be named, 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.”

The fire service said the main blaze had been extinguished with crews damping down the area.

Kevin Longshaw, area manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, 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.”

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