Cambridge headteacher pays tribute to children who died in fire

A primary school headteacher in Cambridge has paid tribute to two pupils who died following a fire in the early hours of Friday (June 30).

The fire in a maisonette at Sackville Close, King’s Hedges, claimed the lives of a woman and two children while a man in his 30s remains in a critical condition in Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Gemma Germeney, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene and her children Lilly Peden, eight, and son Oliver Peden, four, were rescued by firefighters but tragically died later in hospital. It is believed the family’s two dogs also perished in the blaze.

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.”