Batlow house fire that killed twin sisters to be investigated by police strike force

The tragic deaths of three-year-old twin sisters in an out-of-control house fire will be investigated by an expert strike force to establish whether or not it was suspicious.

Aisha and Lailani died when flames engulfed their family’s housing commission home at Batlow, in southern New South Wales, about 11am on Monday.

As the fire roared to four-metres high first responders tried desperately to rescue the girls, but could not force their way inside the home.

Police said their helpless mother Tanyka and five-year-old brother could do nothing but watch on in horror from the footpath after being locked outside the home. 

Riverina Police District Commander Bob Noble said Strike Force Edmondson would be investigating the tragedy and said at this stage police had an ‘open mind’ about how it unfolded.

As the fire roared to four-metres high first responders tried desperately to rescue the girls, but could not force their way inside the home 

He said a small woodfire was understood to be burning inside the home at the time, but it was not known if this was the cause of the blaze. 

‘I just want to make it clear, we are keeping an open mind in relation to the incident,’ Superintendent Noble told media outside Wagga Wagga Police Station on Tuesday.

‘What we obviously have is two young children who have died. Obviously the mother of the children was present at the time of the fire, as was an older sibling.

‘We need to approach this from an objective point of view and keep all possibilities on the table.’  

Superintendent Wells said Ms Ford was ‘distraught’ at what had happened and while initial discussions had been had with her, they expected to formally interview her on Tuesday.

Experts from the NSW State Crime Command arson squad are at the scene and will be assisting local detectives in their investigation.

Aisha and Lailani’s shattered family have already raised more than $2,000 through a GoFundMe page for Ms Ford.

Police have launched Strike Force Edmondson to investigate the fire and said the twin’s mum Tanyka Ford (pictured with them) is ‘distraught’

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for the family, while their nanna Michelle Ford posted this collage as a tribute to her granddaughters

‘My sister tragically lost her three-year-old twin daughters in a house fire, which claimed not only the lives of these two young children but also their home and belongings,’ the twins’ uncle Levi wrote.

‘Her son has lost all the belongings including toys and clothing….Losing everything is hard enough without having to worry about financials.

‘Anything no matter how small would be appreciated.’

Ms Ford’s heartbroken mother Michelle, who lived in the nearby town of Tumut, paid tribute to her grandchildren on Facebook on Monday night.

‘RIP nanny’s little angels, miss you so much,’ Mrs Ford wrote.

Ms Ford’s aunt Melanie said any donations would help the family, who lost everything in the fire.

The little girls were trapped inside the home as it went up in flames, and could not be saved

Police said a small woodfire was understood to be burning inside the home at the time, but it was not known if it had caused the blaze (the house after the fire was extinguished pictured)

‘My niece Tanyka Ford lost her beautiful twins in a devastating house fire,’ she wrote.

‘If anyone can help out with a donation no matter how small it is. Words can’t begin to describe her pain and loss right now.’

Adding to the difficulties for NSW Police investigators is the danger of entering the home, which is unstable as a result of the fire.

Interviews are expected to be carried out with witnesses, family members and those from the tiny country town who were first on the scene throughout the week.