A mother has died two days after a flat fire that killed her two daughters, British police have confirmed.

Fatoumatta Hydara, 28, was taken to hospital after the fire in Nottingham, UK, on Sunday morning, but died on Tuesday.

Her children, one-year-old Naeemah Drammeh and Fatimah Drammeh, aged three, were taken to hospital but pronounced dead shortly after.

A man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday, remains in custody.

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

“This is a deeply upsetting 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 officers at this incredibly difficult time and we ask for the media to give them privacy while they deal with this incredible loss.

“This has been an extremely traumatic event for them and I’d like to reassure them we’re doing everything we possibly can to bring them the justice they deserve.”