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We were given the details of the following made-up incident and asked to write a news story about it. This is my first time, be gentle.

Four people are dead and a fifth is fighting for his life today following a suspected arson attack on a Middlesbrough home.

John Brown, 54, his wife Gillian, 50, and their children Stephen, 20, and Judith,17, died of suspected smoke inhalation and a third child, Brian, 15, is fighting for his life following a heroic rescue bid by Fire Officer Billy Robertson in which he risked his own life entering the burning house.

Judith was engaged to be married to Peter Wilkinson, 21; their wedding was set for this Wednesday.

A neighbour raised the alarm at 1.30am, Sunday. Chief Inspector Robert Lawton, of Cleveland CID, said: “We are treating this as suspicious and arson is suspected. A number of cans containing petrol residues were found near the house and these are being looked at by forensics.”

Mr Brown was owner and CEO of Bilsdale Chemicals which, with a staff of 3,000, is Middlesbrough’s largest employer. The company remains in a bitter row with environmentalists over persistent leaks from the factory which protesters claim have been putting lives at risk.

Mr Brown refused to meet with the group and police were forced to eject campaigners from company grounds on three occasions. A spokesman for Bilsdale Chemicals said: “We are all devastated here at the factory. Mr Brown was the leading light; a great man. Whoever did this are animals. We all have our suspicions with the trouble we have had recently.”

The campaigners have refused to comment on the fire.

Inquests were due to be opened this afternoon on the four victims. “This is a terrible tragedy,” said Chief Inspector Lawton, “the family would have stood no chance.”

Tags: Journalism, Middlesbrough