Mother and three children killed in Bootle house fire mourned as schools and family pay tribute to victims

From the Newshound archive · first published 22 September 2026 · last updated 25 September 2026.

Elisha Brabin, 36, and three of her four children — Leo, 16, Ellis, eight, and Prudence, seven — were found showing no signs of life in an upstairs bedroom at their Stone Square home in Bootle at around 3.45am on Tuesday. Kane Stephenson, the children's father, suffered serious burns after desperately breaking windows in a bid to save his family, while a fourth child was staying elsewhere and survived. Six fire engines attended as the blaze spread rapidly through the property.

Head teachers at three separate schools remembered the children for their 'kindness, determination and positive impact.'

The family released a statement saying they are 'devastated' by the loss, as flowers, candles and soft toys were laid at the scene.