POLICE yesterday named a mother and her three-year-old daughter who died when a fire swept through their home on Saturday.

Andrea Jean Robinson, known as Ruby, and her daughter, Sky Sunshine, both died in the fire in Kingsway West, Acomb, near York, North Yorkshire.

Close friends of the pair, who were believed to have been living with members of a peace collective, have spoken of their shock.

"I'm just blown away by what has happened - it's a living nightmare," said Gareth Sheehan, 41, of Ascot Way Acomb, who was with them just hours before the blaze.

"Ruby was smiling and very happy all night, and Sky had been put to bed. She was totally devoted to her kids. Sky had such an infectious smile."

Miss Robinson's other daughter, Poppy Jay, aged nine, was on holiday with her father at the time of the fire.

Two other people were injured in the blaze.

Steve Panter was taken to Pinderfields Hospital, in Wakefield, suffering from severe burns. Yesterday his condition was described as poorly but stable.

A North Yorkshire police spokesman said the cause of the fire was not yet known and the matter was still under investigation.

Miss Robinson, 36, had recently qualified as a masseuse at York College and practised spiritual healing. She is said to have two other children who live elsewhere.