A fire in Penistone which killed a man and his nine-year-old son and left another son fighting for his life was started deliberately, according to police.

They named the man and boy who died following the house fire at a property at Tennyson Close on Wednesday as Darren Sykes, aged 44, and his son Paul David Sykes, aged nine.

Both died in hospital as a result of their injuries. His 12-year-old son Jack remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 6.30pm on Wednesday October 22 and the three were rescued by fire fighters, who described the blaze as fully-developed throughout the house when they arrived.

A joint investigation into the cause of the fire is underway between South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire is being treated as suspicious but police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. Initial investigations suggest the fire was started deliberately.

Chief Inspector Debbie Mahmood said: “Initial enquiries are underway with colleagues in the fire service to determine the cause of this fire and are at a very early stage.

“This is a tragic incident in which a young child has lost his life and a full investigation will be carried out.

“My thoughts and condolences are with the family of the young boys at this distressing time.

“Events like this also have a profound effect on the wider community and we will have Safer Neighbourhood officers in the area available to speak to anyone affected by the tragic incident.”