TWO men were today being questioned by detectives probing a fire tragedy which killed a father and his two children at their home in Helensburgh.

Both were detained during early morning raids in the town and driven to Govan Police Station in Glasgow's Helen Street just weeks before the first anniversary of the deaths of Thomas Sharkey, 55, his daughter Bridget, 8, and son Thomas, 21.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "Two men, aged 36 and 49, were today detained in connection with the deaths of the Sharkey family."

Dozens of officers were drafted into the area after fire swept through the family home in Scott Court on Sunday, July 24.

Husband Thomas and his 46-year-old wife Angela were rushed to hospital unaware that their son had died at the scene and that their daughter lost her fight for life in an ambulance on the way to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. Both parents suffered severe burns and medics had to place them in drug-induced comas as they fought to save their lives.

Dad Thomas died six days later, knowing his children had not survived. More than 500 mourners attended his funeral service at Cardross Crematorium which was held just three days after his children were buried.

Around 600 mourners paid a tearful farewell at a joint funeral service for the children at St Joseph's Church in Helensburgh.

The tragedy devastated the local community and shocked students in America.

Thomas junior was an amateur golfer who had been studying at Georgia Southern University.

The probe has been led by senior detectives based at Govan Police Station, which has co-ordinated investigations in Helensburgh.

More than 50 police officers have been involved in the investigation which included house-to-house inquiries and public appeals for information.

The response by locals was described as "huge." Crime-stoppers offered a £10,000 reward for information.

The two men can be held without charge for 12 hours when they must be released or charged.

Detectives also have an option to apply for permission to detain both men for longer.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk