An eight-year-old boy has died and three others have been injured in a house fire.
The blaze broke out on Keele Close in Wirral at about 01:50 BST on Sunday, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said.
Crews arrived to discover the ground floor alight, and three people were outside after having leapt from first floor windows.
Firefighters found the boy inside the house but despite extensive first aid efforts from paramedics he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Three other people are being treated in hospital, although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
A joint investigation between MFRS and Merseyside Police has found the fire was accidental.
Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan said: “This has been a very tragic incident, with an incredibly sad outcome despite the best efforts of my crews.
“Our thoughts are very much with the family, friends and loved ones of the young boy at this time.
“I would like to commend the efforts of my fire control team and fire crews who acted so quickly to rescue the young boy and North West Ambulance Service colleagues who made every effort to provide emergency resuscitation.”
