Police officer pays tribute to his wife and two children who died in house fire

A police officer who lost his wife and two children in a house fire on Boxing Day has paid tribute to his family as "three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence".

In a statement shared by Gloucestershire Constabulary, Tom Shearman said: "I have stared at my keypad for what seems like an eternity waiting for the words to appear.

"I have no way to thank any of you for the unbelievable out of this world generosity that you have shown to me in the darkest of hours.

"My life, the lives of my loved ones, my friends and the whole community changed on Boxing Day. Most importantly, and tragically, three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence were taken from not just me, but all of us.

"I cannot begin to describe the anguish and trauma of the events of Boxing Day 2025. My family had its very core, its very essence, ripped from it in the most violent way."

The bodies of Fionnghuala Shearman, known as Nu, and their children, Eve and Ohner, were found in the property in Stroud. Their pet dog, Hutch, also died in the fire.

Mr Shearman was taken to hospital for treatment, but has since been discharged. He attempted to rescue his family but was beaten back by the severity of the blaze.

Emergency services were called to the family's mid-terrace Cotswold stone cottage on Brimscombe Hill at about 3am on Boxing Day.

Mr and Mrs Shearman, who ran a bespoke handbag manufacturer, had been awoken by the fire and tried to reach their children in the rear bedroom.

Police believe the fire started on the ground floor and investigations are ongoing to establish the cause, but it is not being treated as suspicious, rather as a "tragic accident".

The fire destroyed the roof, the ceilings and stairs, as well as causing other significant internal damage.

Deputy chief fire officer Nathaniel Hooton said firefighters worked extremely hard to get in to the house as the fire raged.

An online fundraising appeal launched for Mr Shearman has so far raised more than £300,000.

Mr Shearman's statement continued: "My family and friends have rallied around and provided me with more than the bare essentials. I have a roof (and many offers) over my head, clothes on my back, food - most importantly company and compassion. I will heal.

"I have already started the ball rolling on a plan that came to me just as I was falling past the precipice of the abyss. I will make sure my unbelievably talented, empathetic, compassionate and beautiful wife's legacy of craft, design and making lives on," he said.

"As will I ensure that my bright spark Eve's legacy of enjoyment from books and writing be carried on. Along with my incredible son's sheer compassion and desire to help people."

"Please all take every opportunity to hug your loved ones, tell them you love them. Because, as Paulo Coelho said, one day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you want. Do it now."

(c) Sky News 2026: Police officer pays tribute to his wife and two children who died in house fire