A devastating house fire in Brimscombe, Gloucestershire, that claimed the lives of a mother and her two young children on Boxing Day last year was likely caused by electrical appliances, an inquest has heard.
Tragic Loss
Fionnghuala Mary Shearman, 38, known affectionately as Nu, perished alongside her seven-year-old daughter Eve and four-year-old son Ohner in the early hours of 26 December 2025. The family's home became a fiery trap, with the blaze rapidly spreading through the living room where the fire is believed to have started.
Her partner, serving police officer Tom Shearman, managed to escape the inferno but sustained significant injuries in his desperate attempts to rescue his family. Despite his valiant efforts, which included striking and kicking a window from outside, he was unable to reach them due to the intensity of the flames.
Heroic Efforts
The inquest, held at Gloucestershire Coroner's Court on Monday, painted a harrowing picture of the events that unfolded. Tom Shearman had woken shortly after 3am to use the bathroom when he noticed an unusual warmth and a smoky atmosphere. Realising the house was on fire, he tried to wake his family but was driven back by the ferocious blaze.
In a selfless act, he then broke into a neighbouring property to help the occupant, a woman named June, escape to safety, preventing further loss of life. The neighbour had spent Christmas morning enjoying coffee and cake with the family before the tragedy struck.
Emergency services were called at 3:12am and arrived to find Mr Shearman outside in a very distressed state, having suffered quite significant injuries. The fire had destroyed the roof, ceilings, and stairs, causing extensive internal damage.
Coroner's Conclusion
Senior coroner Katy Skerrett paid tribute to Mr Shearman's valiant attempts to save his family. She accepted that the fire likely started in the living room and was probably caused by an electric ignition source. Items such as soft furnishings and the Christmas tree would have fuelled the flames, according to Leroy Hughes from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
The cause of death for all three family members was given as exposure to the combustion products of fire. The coroner concluded that they were accidental deaths, describing the incident as an absolute tragedy with the most horrific consequences possible for this loving young family.
Community Support
In the wake of the tragedy, Tom Shearman has received an outpouring of support from family, friends, and the wider community. He previously said that loved ones had rallied around to provide him with housing, clothes, and food, as well as company and compassion.
In a heartfelt tribute on a GoFundMe appeal, he expressed: My life, the lives of my loved ones, my friends and the whole community changed on Boxing Day. My family had its very core, its very essence, ripped from it in the most violent way. I cannot begin to describe the anguish and trauma of the events of Boxing Day 2025.
The community of Brimscombe continues to mourn the loss of Nu, Eve, and Ohner, remembering them as a loving family whose lives were cut short in the most tragic circumstances.
