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Father found injured after children die in house fire in Birmingham

The father of two children who died in a suspected arson attack in Birmingham has suffered life-threatening injuries in a car fire, police have said.

The man, in his 30s, was found in a Vauxhall Insignia at about 7.15am on Friday in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.

He is now being treated in hospital.

Detectives say they "believe these two incidents are connected" are not looking for anyone else with the fire.

The eight-year-old boy and six-year-old girl were found at a house in Holland Road in the Hamstead area of Birmingham at about 3.40am on Friday.

Firefighters put out flames in the hallway of the property before discovering the youngsters.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said local people had tried to save the children before paramedics arrived and took over.

"On arrival, crews found two children, a boy and a girl, who were in cardiac arrest," he said.

He added: "Treatment continued en route to hospital, with the boy being taken to Sandwell Hospital and the girl to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"Unfortunately, shortly after their arrival at the hospitals, it became clear that nothing could be done to save either child and they were confirmed deceased."

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said cause of death had yet to be established.

Post-mortem examinations were due to be carried out.

The children's 36-year-old mother was not seriously injured and is being treated as a witness.

The house has been cordoned off as a forensic examination is carried out.

Anyone with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.