A husband has today paid tribute to his wife and two daughters after a flat fire.
Tragically one-year-old Naeemah Drammeh and Fatimah Drammeh aged three, were taken to hospital but sadly died after the fire which happened in Fairisle Close, Clifton, Nottingham on Sunday morning.
The mum of the daughters 28-year-old Fatoumatta Hydara, was placed on a life-support machine but sadly died on Tuesday.
A man aged 31 has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Initial investigations have shown that the fire which was started in a first floor flat of a two-storey building was started deliberately.
Aboubacarr Drammeh, 40, said he would “deeply miss” his family.
Nottinghamshire Police are applying for more time to question him, in addition to the 36-hour extension announced on Tuesday.
Police said officers did not currently believe the fatal fire was “racially-motivated”.
“Fatoumatta was a very happy, bubbly woman who wouldn’t have the heart to hurt a fly,” he said.
“It is therefore inconceivable to think who might have committed this cruel crime against my family.”
Mr Drammeh also thanked the Ahmadi Muslim community in Nottinghamshire, the Gambian community, neighbours and well-wishers for their support.
Police have urged anyone who was in and around Fairisle Close between 00:00 and 04:30 GMT on Sunday to speak to officers.
Insp Karl Thomas said the fire was not currently believed to be a “racially-motivated incident”.
“However, we are keeping an open mind on that,” he said.
He said the fire was being treated as “an isolated incident” but officers were carrying out high-visibility patrols “to reassure the community”.
Insp Thomas said 40 detectives were working on the inquiry, including officers from neighbouring Leicestershire and Derbyshire forces.
“This is a truly horrific incident that has rocked the community. All our attention is on gathering the evidence and doing everything we can to ensure this family gets justice,” he added.