Port Hedland fire: Mum of children still in police custody as investigation continues

The mother whose three young children perished in a Port Hedland house fire has previously posted on social media that her kids were her “everything” and that she would always do the “best” for her family. It comes as Port Hedland police implored with the local community to ‘let police do their job’ as the homicide investigation continues over the death of three young children who perished in a house fire on Tuesday. The three children from Port Hedland — who The West Australian has chosen not to name for cultural reasons — aged 10, seven, and five months, were trapped inside their State housing Anderson Street home when it went up in flames, about 4.45pm on Tuesday. In a heartbreaking discovery by firefighters, the children’s three bodies were found inside the family home after the raging inferno was extinguished — about 30 minutes later. The mother — whose Facebook page dotes “for my family I will do the best I can” — was arrested shortly after and spent the night in police custody being questioned by investigators. Charges are yet to be laid over their deaths. The mother also mentioned on her Facebook page that her children were her “everything.” Police say the mother-of-three was injured in the fire and received medical attention as a result. As the investigation continues in the regional town, local authorities and the town’s mayor are imploring community members to “let police do their job.” Town Mayor Peter Carter said the tragedy was “gut-wrenching” for the small, regional town but asks community members to let officers continue their investigation. “The Hedland community has been shocked by news that three children passed away in our town last night,” he said in a statement. “The Town of Port Hedland is thinking of those affected, including the hard-working members of our emergency services. “It’s important to reinforce that there is an active police investigation underway. I implore everyone to avoid speculating on any details, and allow the police to do their job.” The mayor went further to highlight the local support groups available in the regional town. “People should seek help early either through local services or national helplines, including Lifeline in a crisis.” In a press conference on Wednesday, Acting Deputy Commissioner Allan Adams said the incident would have a “profound effect” on the tight-knit community and a “heavy impact” on emergency services personnel who attended the scene. He asked family members to “wrap arms around each other” during this difficult time and allow police to thoroughly investigate the tragic deaths. “Undoubtedly grief brings with it significant emotion, I would ask that those family members wrap arms around each other,” he said. “This will take time. It won’t be quick.” Executive director of the Department of Communities Glenn Mace confirmed the home was government owned and that “the family is known to the department.” “This is a tragic case that will have a devastating impact on the whole community,” he said. “Communities will provide welfare and practical support for the family and the local community as required during this difficult time. “Due to the on-going police investigation into the matter, Communities is unable to provide any further comment.” The WA Country Health Service also took to social media to offer support for those in the Pilbara town. “Port Hedland, we know you’re hurting,” the post read. “More than ever, we want you to know that we’re here for you if you need us. “As well as our on-the-ground mental health services, there are several additional resources available to help you.” It comes after devastated town locals and family friends attended the scene on Wednesday to lay flowers and toys at a makeshift memorial just metres away from where the children died. Local mother Jo Peart, who knew the family, was one of the many parents who visited the scene with their children in tow. Ms Peart said she had known the 10-year-old girl since she was “a little one” and described her as “beautiful” and a “bright, bubbly, beautiful child”. “I used to help her take her to school in the mornings and help her mum here and there, so it is a bit heartbreaking,” she said. “Jakob (Ms Peart’s son) has obviously grown up with her, so I would never have expected it. It’s just a complete shock to the whole community.” The investigation is ongoing and police, forensic officers, and detectives remain at the scene.