CONTINUED support is being offered to people in the Manchester Road area following a fatal house fire in November.

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service personnel visited homes in the Broadgreen area to offer reassurance and fire safety advice to the local community.

The service is continuing to liaise with Swindon Borough Council, community leaders and Wiltshire Police, to ensure that the right support is being made available to residents.

Two people died as a result of injuries sustained in the blaze, which started just before midnight on November 6 and was accidental.

Sharon Alvares, 30, died at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon on November 8, and her husband Blaise Alvares, who was 33, died at Morriston Hospital in Swansea on December 23.

The couple’s 17 month old daughter Brooke remains in hospital receiving treatment for her injuries.

Three other people who were also in the house at the time of the fire were all discharged from hospital in the days following the incident.

Chief fire officer Ben Ansell said: “We were deeply saddened to hear that Mr Alvares passed away shortly before Christmas, especially given the tragic loss of his wife just weeks before. Our thoughts are very much with their wider family and other loved ones as they come to terms with what has happened and, in particular, with their baby daughter who remains in hospital and now faces a life without her parents.”

He added: “Since the fire, we have been working closely with community leaders in the Manchester Road area, and we have delivered vital fire safety advice to hundreds of homes and businesses. We continue to offer support to the local community, working in partnership with other agencies as appropriate to ensure that people affected by this tragedy have all the help they need.”

Anyone who would like a Safe & Well visit from the Fire and Rescue Service can call 0800 038 2323; or visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits