A serving police officer has issued a heart-wrenching tribute to his wife and two young children, who were killed in a devastating house fire in Gloucestershire on Boxing Day morning.
A Community United in Grief
Tom Shearman, a constable with Gloucestershire Constabulary, said he was 'humbled beyond comprehension' by the outpouring of support following the tragedy. A public fundraising effort has seen more than £300,000 donated to support him in the wake of his unimaginable loss.
In a powerful and emotional statement, Shearman paid homage to 'three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence'. The victims were his wife, Fionnghuala, known affectionately as Nu, and their two children: seven-year-old Eve and four-year-old Ohner. The family dog, Hutch, also perished in the blaze.
The Tragic Events of Boxing Day
The fire broke out in the early hours of 26 December 2025 at the family's stone cottage in the village of Brimscombe, located in the Cotswolds. Shearman managed to escape the inferno by smashing his way out of the property.
In a desperate attempt to save his family, he then tried to break into his children's bedroom from outside the cottage but was beaten back by intense flames. His wife, Nu, was the founder of a bespoke handbag business, crafting fashion accessories from leather and canvas.
A Legacy of Love and a Plea to the Public
Shearman vowed to ensure the legacies of his loved ones live on. He pledged to continue his wife's creative work in craft and design, his daughter Eve's love of books and writing, and his son Ohner's compassionate nature.
He expressed his profound gratitude to the emergency services who responded to the fire, acknowledging the horrific nature of the incident for all involved. In his statement, Shearman included a poignant plea to the public, urging people to 'hug your loved ones, tell them you love them'.
He concluded with a message of remembrance: 'Now go light up the darkest corners and the black sky. In memory of Nu. Eve. Ohner. Hutch.'
