Fire investigators have concluded that a blaze which killed a mum and her
two young children was probably started by an electric bike.

Gemma Germeney, 31, eight-year-old Lilly Peden and four-year-old Oliver
Peden died after a fire engulfed a two-storey maisonette in Sackville
Close, Cambridge, at about 1am on Friday.

The children were rescued from the fire, but later died in hospital.

Ms Germeney died at the scene of the fire in the Kings Hedges area of
Cambridge.

A man, believed to be the children's father, escaped the blaze but is being
treated for burns to his arm.

It is understood the family's two dogs were also killed in the fire.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue said their investigation into the fire had
concluded, and they believed "the most probable cause was an e-bike."

Area Commander Stuart Smith, from Cambridgeshire fire and Rescue Service,
said: "Fire service and specialist fire investigators, together with police
forensic teams and a fire dog, have spent the weekend carrying out a
thorough investigation of the maisonette.

"A fire investigation looks for the most probable cause and in this case,
we believe that to be an electric bike that was charging.

"We know e-bikes and e-scooters are popular modes of personal transport at
the moment and we are urging anyone with one to be aware of the potential
risks and follow simple precautions to reduce the likelihood of the
batteries overheating."

Meanwhile tributes have been paid to the two children who died from their
school.

Sarah Merritt, Headteacher at King’s Hedges School, said: “We’re really
saddened to hear about the tragic deaths of Lilly, Oliver and their mother.

“The children were part of our King's Hedges family and the whole school
is devastated by this terrible tragedy. We’re providing support to the
children, teachers and parents about what has happened.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends. As a school, there is no
easy way to deal with this sad news, but we will get through this
together.”

The fire service urged people to think about fire safety and issued the
following advice about e-bikes.

Avoid charging the battery overnight

Do not leave charging for any longer than it needs to fully charge

Plug the cable into a main socket rather than an extension lead

Do not cover the battery with anything while charging

Make sure you use the battery recommended by the manufacturer

Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product, and if you
spot any signs of wear and tear or damage buy an official replacement
charger for your product from a reputable seller

Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and in the
room where you charge the bike/scooter.

<https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2023-07-03/e-bike-likely-cause-of-flat-fire-which-killed-mum-and-two-children>

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