TWO boys aged three and four have died in a fire while staying with their father at his flat above a coffee shop.
Kyal Owen, who was due to start school tomorrow, and his younger brother Konnor died in the early hours of Saturday in Llanfaethlu, near Holyhead, North Wales.
Their father, who has not been named, escaped with minor injuries.
A post-mortem examination showed that the boys died from smoke inhalation.
A 32-year-old man was arrested and questioned by police but was released on bail last night. He was not named.
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The boys usually lived with their mother, Emma. In a statement, she and other family members said: “Kyal and Konnor were full of life and fun. They were very happy children who were always smiling. “Although Kyal and Konnor lived with their mother, they loved spending time with their father and were mad about toy trucks and tractors. Sadly, they will not live to fulfil their shared ambition which was to work alongside their Dad. They loved their Mum and Dad and would often bring flowers home to Mum after days out. They also loved animals and enjoyed going for walks with their grandfather and the family dogs.
“They both loved playing superheroes like Batman, Superman and Buzz Lightyear. The boys loved to visit the seaside near their home where they enjoyed crabbing and playing on the beach.”
The statement added: “The boys were much-loved and will be deeply missed by all members of their family who are devastated by their tragic and untimely deaths.”
A spokesman for North Wales police said: “A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fire. The coroner has been informed of the deaths of two young boys. We are not releasing any further information about this person’s identity.”
One room of the flat was badly damaged, police said. Others were damaged by smoke. Police and the fire service are jointly investigating. Prayers were said at local churches for the two brothers yesterday.
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Nan Cunliffe, 83, who lives near by, was woken up by the sound of shouting and watched the drama from her window.
She said: “At first I thought it was lads after a night out. Then I heard someone screaming: ‘Which window is it? I’ll find you.’
“The blue lights of a fire engine appeared and I realised something dreadful was happening. I didn’t see any flames, it was all smoke. I didn’t know the family but had seen the two little boys on their tricycles. It’s all too horrible for words.”
Another neighbour said: “A woman still wearing her nightclothes was in the street outside crying and screaming.”