A police officer from Gloucestershire has spoken of his profound grief after a devastating house fire on Boxing Day claimed the lives of his wife and their two young children.
A Father's Heartbreaking Tribute
Tom Shearman, an officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary based near Stroud, described his lost family as "three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence". His moving statement was shared by the police force following the tragic incident at their home in Brimscombe.
Mr Shearman's wife, Fionnghuala Shearman, who was affectionately known as Nu, perished in the blaze alongside their two children. Their daughter, Eve, was just seven years old, and their son, Ohner, was only four.
Heroic Rescue Attempt Thwarted by Blaze
Despite being off-duty, the policeman's instincts kicked in as he attempted to rescue his family from the burning building. However, the severity and intensity of the fire ultimately forced him back, preventing him from reaching them.
The fire completely destroyed the family home. Mr Shearman was himself injured during the ordeal and required hospital treatment. He has since been discharged from medical care to begin confronting an unimaginable loss.
Community and Force in Mourning
The tragedy, which unfolded on 26 December, has sent shockwaves through the local community in Brimscombe and across the wider Gloucestershire Constabulary, where Tom Shearman is a serving colleague.
Investigations into the exact cause of the Boxing Day house fire are ongoing. The incident serves as a harrowing reminder of the speed and danger posed by such blazes, particularly during the winter period.
As the family, friends, and colleagues of the Shearmans come to terms with this immense loss, the focus remains on supporting a father who has lost everything.
