CCTV images could help triple murder investigation

Detectives investigating the murders of a man and his two children in a flat fire have released CCTV images of two people they want to trace in connection with the inquiry.

Strathclyde Police said the two are “potential key witnesses” and could have “vital” information to help the investigation, though officers stressed that they are not suspects in the case.

Thomas Sharkey, 21, died in the blaze at the family’s home in Scott Court, Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, in the early hours of 24 July. His eight year-old sister Bridget died shortly after arriving at hospital.

Their father, Thomas Sharkey Snr, 55, died of his injuries at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary on 30 July.

His wife, 46-year-old Angela Sharkey, the mother of both children, survived the blaze.

Police said the first person they wished to trace was wearing a grey or blue top and dark trousers or jeans.

The person was seen walking north in John Street away from the direction of the waterfront crossing at Helensburgh’s West Princes Street at around 5am on the day of the fire.

The second person being sought is a white man in his 20s and of slim to medium build.

He has short brown hair and was wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans and brown shoes.

He was seen walking in West Clyde Street a few minutes before the fire was discovered, officers said.

In addition, police said they are keen to trace the occupants of a light-blue Renault Clio seen in John Street and West Clyde Street a short time after the fire was discovered.

Det Supt Peter McPike, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: “I believe that both the people who are seen walking in the area and the occupants of the Renault Clio are key witnesses and could have information that is vital to this investigation.

“I would urge them, or anyone who recognises them, to come forward to police as a matter of urgency and assist us in this triple murder investigation.”

Emergency services were called to the Sharkey family’s flat at around 5am on 24 July.

Thomas Sharkey Jnr was found dead in the property, while his sister Bridget died a short time later at the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Paisley.

Mr and Mrs Sharkey managed to escape from the house but both suffered serious burns.

Mr Sharkey later died in hospital after he had been told about the deaths of his children.

Following her release from hospital last month, Mrs Sharkey said: “The three things I loved most about my life are dead.”

Appealing for information, she said: “My daughter should be in primary five, my son should be back playing golf in America, Tommy should be going to his work, I should be at my work.

“I don’t know how somebody can carry on with their life knowing that they’ve done this and not feel anything.”

Detectives believe the answer to solving the crime lies within the community and have urged people not to withhold information because of “misplaced loyalty”.