Husband mourns wife and daughters murdered in an arson attack

An arson attack that killed a 28-year-old mother and her two daughters was not a racist incident, police said today – as her heartbroken husband paid tribute to his “beautiful” family.

Fatoumatta Hydara, 28, was taken to hospital after the fire at her home in Clifton, Nottingham, but died of her injuries two days later. Her children Naeemah Drammeh, one, and Fatimah Drammeh, three, were also tragically killed.

Police said a triple homicide investigation is being conducted into the suspected arson attack as a man is still being questioned by police.

Ms Hydara’s husband, Aboubacarr Drammeh, 40, was in America at the time and rushed back as soon as he heard the devastating news that his family had been killed.

Memorializing his wife and children today, Mr Drammeh said: ‘It is with great sadness that we have lost Fatoumatta and our two daughters in such a tragic way.

‘Fatoumatta had lived a short but very beautiful and fulfilling life. Fatoumatta, a former volunteer, was a very happy, bubbly woman who wouldn’t have the heart to hurt a fly. It is therefore unthinkable to think who committed this cruel crime against my family.

“We thank the Ahmadi Muslim community in Nottinghamshire, the Gambian community, local neighbors and all those well-wishers for their continued support at this difficult time.

‘Me and my in-laws are without daughters, grandchildren and nieces. I will miss my family very much.’

Neighborhood inspector Karl Thomas said outside the burnt-out house: “We do not believe at this stage that this is a racist and hateful incident, but we are keeping our minds open.”

He also declined to say whether the suspect was known to the family, adding: “We cannot comment on that and we cannot jeopardize the investigation because of its scope.

“We are treating it as an isolated incident and we are in discussions with the community to provide reassurance.”

Heartbreaking footage released by police yesterday shows the two girls happily playing and giggling together in front of the blaze.

A police and fire service inquiry concluded the fire was deliberately set and Nottinghamshire Police have launched an investigation into triple homicide.

A 31-year-old man, also from Clifton, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday and police have been given extra time to question him.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘We are dealing with one of the most horrific of crimes – the death of two young children and their mother.

“This is a deeply distressing tragedy and I can only imagine the family’s pain. They include the woman’s husband and the father of the two children, who was not in the UK at the time of the fire.

“Both he and other members of the family are being supported by specially trained agents at this incredibly difficult time and we ask the media to give them privacy as they process this incredible loss.

“This has been an extremely traumatic event for them and I want to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to give them the justice they deserve.

To achieve this, a large team of detectives has been working day and night to investigate the circumstances of this tragic incident.

‘A number of specialists have also carried out investigations on site and this will probably continue for a while. This is now being treated as a triple homicide.”

One resident, who declined to be named, said: “You can’t imagine what that poor father is going through – to lose your wife and children all at once.

“He was here yesterday but in a state of shock. He’s totally devastated, of course you would be too. You can’t even put yourself in that position. It’s just heartbreaking.

“I didn’t really know them, but they seemed like a sweet, happy family. The three year old was just the sweetest, always playing and laughing.

“The baby was just a baby, she hadn’t even started her life yet. It’s just too cruel to understand.’

Police have said high visibility patrols will be stationed in the area in the coming days to reassure local residents.

DI Sinski added: ‘The local community is shocked and deeply saddened by the events of the past two days and I would like to thank the people in the area for their patience and understanding as we collect evidence on the ground.

“I would also like to thank those who have already come forward, but I would urge anyone who has information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, to contact us. We specifically want to speak to anyone who was in or around Fairisle Close between 12pm and 4.30am on Sunday morning.”

Rob Perkins, head teacher at Milford Academy in Clifton, where Fatimah attended the nursery, paid a touching tribute to her.

He said: ‘Our entire school community was incredibly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic events that took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“We are only at the beginning of the painful process of coming to terms with what happened and the heartbreaking realization that two young children and a mother have lost their lives.

“We now know that one of these children was a pupil here in Milford and our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected by this terrible event.

‘Fatimah was a kind, cheerful and determined member of our nursery. Her sunny personality made her make friends everywhere, and she loved to cuddle.

Fatimah was at her happiest with a paintbrush and glue stick in her hands as she created her next masterpiece.

Her contagious laugh was for all to hear as she zipped around the garden on the three-seater bike – she loved the outdoors. Our nursery won’t be the same without her and she will be sorely missed by all of us.’

Friends laid flowers on Sunday at the spot where the fatal fire took place.

A friend of the family, a tearful woman who placed flowers at their home, cried, “It is heartbreaking. They are such a nice family.’

She added: ‘I can’t think of anything worse, especially at this time of year, just before Christmas. It’s really terrible, your worst nightmare.’

Forensic experts with sniffer dogs were busy searching the wreckage of the town hall on Sunday morning.

The rubble was clearly visible through the broken window at the top and the gutted flat below.

Neighbors in the adjacent flats were evacuated as the crime scene remained cordoned off.