THE initial investigations into the cause of a fatal fire, which claimed the life of a mother and two children in Newchapel last week, have not pointed to any suspicious circumstances.
A joint investigation by Surrey Police and Surrey Fire & Rescue Service was launched following the tragic incident in the early hours of last Tuesday.
The site, known as The Plantation, is off West Park Road and is a permanent legal plot used by members of the traveller community, many of whom earn a living with travelling funfairs.
The mother, who has been named locally as Sadie Peters, 36, died along with her one-year-old and six-year-old sons. Mrs Peters' husband, John, and a third son, aged 10, were injured in the blaze while John tried to rescue his family.
They were treated at the scene of the incident for burns and smoke inhalation before the child was taken to East Surrey Hospital as a precaution.
A spokesman for Surrey Fire & Rescue Service said that initial investigations suggest the blaze was accidental while Surrey Police have said there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.
The fire service spokesman added that the mobile home either did not have a smoke alarm, or had one that wasn't working.
A file has now been passed to the Surrey coroner's office in Woking. However, there is still restricted access to the Newchapel site as fire service investigators continue to look into the cause of the blaze.
A Tandridge District Council report in December 2013 highlighted overcrowding at The Plantation, stating there were 72 families living on 38 plots.
