Reigate fire which killed a family-of-three was deliberate

Reigate fire which killed a family-of-three was deliberate

A massive blaze which killed a family of three was probably started deliberately by one of those who died, a police investigation has found.

There were initial fears that an arsonist was at large after the father, mother and their six-year-old son all died in the flames.

However, a probe has concluded that no-one outside the house was responsible for starting the fire, which is understood to have been started deliberately.

The theory that the blaze was a combination of murder and suicide was also backed up by evidence from inside the home.

The bodies of Adriana Nunes, 41, Tiago Nunes, 30, and their six-year-old son Tiago were all found huddled together on a bed in the burned-out house.

The bodies of Adriana Nunes, 41, Tiago Nunes, 30, and their six-year-old son Tiago were all found huddled together on a bed in the burned-out house

It was reported that mother Adriana had sent text messages to relatives, one of which simply said 'goodbye' but police declined to comment on the rumours

The theory that the blaze was a combination of murder and suicide was backed up by evidence from inside the home

Investigating officers from Surrey Police said that they were not looking for anyone in connection with the fire near Reigate, Surrey.

One of the theories being investigated was that the tragic deaths were a result of a group suicide pact.

It was reported that mother Adriana had sent text messages to relatives, one of which simply said 'goodbye' but police declined to comment on the rumours.

The farm cottage burned all night without anyone noticing it and when emergency services finally rushed to the scene on Tuesday, January 24, all that was left was smouldering debris.

The shell of the isolated building stood in ruins in the idyllic Surrey countryside in Trumpet Road, R eigate, and the charred remains of the three bodies were found inside.

Police said that the Nunes family had made no attempt to raise the alarm from inside the burning building and neighbours said that they didn't notice the smoke coming from the isolated cottage. 

Police said that the Nunes family had made no attempt to raise the alarm and neighbours said that they didn't notice the smoke coming from the isolated cottage

The farm cottage burned all night without anyone noticing it and when emergency services finally rushed to the scene on Tuesday, January 24, all that was left was smouldering debris

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Paddy Mayers said: 'This was a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the Nunes family.

'From our investigation with our colleagues at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service we understand the fire was started deliberately

' However I must stress that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident and would like to offer reassurance that there is no risk to the wider public.

'I would like to thank the community for their patience while we have continued to investigate. This case will now be passed to the coroner's office.'

After the fire, emergency services were only alerted when Tiago, a gardener, failed to show up to his work the next day and colleagues called police to check on him. 

Headteacher Jane Douglass wrote to parents about the 'huge sadness' over young Tiago's death

Adriana Nunes worked as a cleaner in the local area, and their little boy attended North Downs Primary School.

Headteacher Jane Douglass wrote to parents about the 'huge sadness' over young Tiago's death.

A justgiving page was set up to raise money to send the bodies of the family back to Portugal for their funeral. So far, £19,163 has been raised.

The comment on the page reads: 'We're trying to raise the funds to help deal with the huge cost of sending home the victims of the tragedy to their homeland Portugal for their joint funerals. The family greatly appreciate any help given at this awful time with thanks.

'We actually received more donations than were needed to achieve this and we ar e honoured to be able to say that there is almost a thousand pounds left over which will be donated to the Queen Victoria Hospital Specialist Burns Unit in Tiago Adriana and Tito's memory.'

The shell of the isolated building stood in ruins in the idyllic Surrey countryside in Trumpet Road, Reigate, and the charred remains of the three bodies were found inside

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