Police have released pictures of two young brothers involved in a house fire in Penistone.

Paul Sykes, nine, and his father Darren Sykes, 44, died following the fire at a house on Tennyson Close on Wednesday evening.

Paul’s older brother Jack, 12, remains in a critical condition in hospital. His mother is at his bedside.

Jack Sykes, 12, critically injured in Penistone house blaze
Jack Sykes, 12, critically injured in Penistone house blaze

South Yorkshire Police said the fire was started deliberately and they were not looking for anyone else over the incident.

The boys’ dad Darren Sykes was pronounced dead in hospital

Emergency services were called to the property in Tennyson Close at about 6.30pm.

The home, with brown window frames (centre right), where a nine-year-old boy and a 44-year-old man have died following a house fire yesterday afternoon on Tennyson Close, Penistone, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire, a second boy aged 11 is critically ill in hospital following the blaze.
The home, with brown window frames and solar panels (centre right), where a nine-year-old boy and a 44-year-old man have died following a house fire yesterday afternoon on Tennyson Close, Penistone, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire, a second boy aged 11 is critically ill in hospital following the blaze.

Andy Platt, head teacher at Springvale Primary School in Penistone where Paul was a pupil, paid tribute to the youngster.

“Paul was an outgoing, popular boy who was blossoming into a fine runner and cornet player. He will be greatly missed,” he said.

Post mortem examinations will take place today to establish the cause of death.

Det Chief Insp Inspector Craig Jackson who is leading the investigation said: “A joint investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing with our colleagues in the fire service.

“Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family at this incredibly difficult time.”