Paramedic hero talks of horror scene at Edinburgh house explosion

A PARAMEDIC who risked his life to try to save the three young children killed by their mother Theresa Riggi has spoken for the first time of the moment he discovered their bodies.

Craig Gray was one of the first to arrive on the scene after reports of multiple casualties following an explosion at their home in Edinburgh in August last year.

Together with colleagues Donna Swadzba and Elaine Wilson, Mr Gray took the decision to ignore a raging fire and risk of a second gas explosion and enter the Slateford town house in a bid to save the three youngsters.

Ambulance chiefs yesterday praised the trio for showing "the highest level of commitment" in the face of risks to their safety.

Mr Gray said: "It went against all the health and safety procedures, but we knew there may have been multiple victims and it would have been very difficult to stand by and watch.

"We didn't have time to think, we just had to go in. There were three floors to climb and we had to take it a flight at a time, making a decision as we went if it was safe to go in."

Eight-year-old twins, Austin and Luke, and five-year-old Cecilia were stabbed to death by Riggi, 47, who is serving a 16-year prison sentence.