Three children and a woman have died in a house fire in Harlow which broke out in the early hours of this morning.
Crews were called to the home in Barn Mead around 1.40am.
The cause of the fire is now under investigation by police detectives.
Early reports say that those killed were two boys aged six and 13, and an 11-year-old girl.
Two other people are in hospital, one in a critical condition.
Police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time of the fire to contact them.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Divisional Officer Steve Foster said: "Crews arriving at the scene did everything they could - they were faced with a rapidly developed fire and went straight into the burning building wearing breathing apparatus to bring people out as quickly as possible.
"Once casualties were out, they worked alongside Ambulance teams to do all they could.
"Fire investigation teams are now working with Police to establish how this tragedy happened and our thoughts are with those the family left behind."
Anyone who was in the area or has information should contact Harlow police station on 101.
