Mother left devestated by Helensburgh fire deaths

A woman whose husband and two children were killed in a deliberate fire has been left "totally and utterly devastated", her sister said today.

A triple murder investigation was launched after Thomas Sharkey, 21, his eight-year-old sister, Bridget, and their father, Thomas Sharkey Senior, 55, died following the blaze at their home in Scott Court, Helensburgh, on July 24.

Angela Sharkey, 46, was critically injured in the blaze and remains in hospital.

Her sister, Margaret McKechnie, 56, said she told Mrs Sharkey of the deaths yesterday.

She said: "We're absolutely heartbroken at the deaths of young Thomas, Bridget and of course their dad Tommy as well.

"I had to tell my sister Angela the news yesterday afternoon and she was totally and utterly devastated to hear from me that her two lovely young children had been taken from her.

"There was such sadness in her eyes and I can't begin to explain how shattered she is by this terrible, terrible news.

"Her family was her life and she has been robbed of any future with them. It's so, so sad that she will never see young Thomas and Bridget grow up.

"On behalf of my sister Angela I would like to ask anyone please, please if you have any information, don't be afraid to come forward to the police to help us solve this horrible crime."