Man, 21, in court over blaze tragedy

Asjid Mahmood made his first appearance at Bradford Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning.

He is accused of the killings of Alina Shah, 10, and her brother Aman, eight, at their Bradford home on Tuesday.

During a brief hearing, he confirmed his name, age and address to the court and was told he faced two allegations of murder and was asked if he understood the charges. He replied: "Yes."

Mahmood was remanded in custody to appear at court tomorrow when his solicitor said he would be making a lengthy bail application.

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old man, also arrested in connection with the investigation, has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Alina died at the scene of the blaze which swept through the house. Aman was pronounced dead shortly after. Both died from inhalation of fumes.

Their mother, Iram Shah, 30, suffered severe burns in the fire and remains critically ill in a specialist burns unit at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield.

The children's heartbroken aunt Nadia Naqui, 28, described the pair as "angels''. She said that Alina and Aman had been taken from their devastated family before they had a chance to fulfil their dreams.

She added that their mother was fighting for her life and was unaware of what had happened to her children.

Ms Naqui said: "Aman and Lina my niece and nephew were recently taken away from us. Their smiles will be with us forever. Aman and Alina made me the proudest auntie in the world as they were truly angels in every sense.

"Their mother is fighting for her life unaware that her children are no longer with us. Aman aspired to be a footballer and Lina a doctor and will never have the chance to fulfil their dreams."