The deaths of a police officer’s wife and young children in a Boxing Day house fire in Gloucestershire have prompted an outpouring of grief and support from across the country, as details emerged of the tragedy and a deeply personal tribute was shared by the bereaved husband and father. Tom Shearman, a serving officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary, lost his wife, Fionnghuala, known as Nu, and their two children, Eve and Ohner, aged seven and four, in a devastating blaze that engulfed their family cottage in the village of Brimscombe during the early hours of 26 December.
The family dog, Hutch, also died. The incident has been described by those close to the family as a profound loss not only for Shearman himself but for the wider community, where the family were well known and deeply valued. In the days following the fire, Shearman released a public statement in which he spoke of the “anguish and trauma” of the events of Boxing Day and expressed gratitude for the support he has received.
More than £300,000 has been raised through a fundraising campaign set up to help him rebuild his life. His words, marked by restraint and dignity, offered insight into the scale of his loss and the impact his wife and children had on those around them. The tragedy has also drawn attention to the risks faced by emergency services during major incidents and the lasting emotional consequences for survivors and responders alike.
The Boxing Day Fire and Rescue Efforts
The fire broke out at the family’s stone-built cottage in the Cotswolds village of Brimscombe during the early hours of Boxing Day morning. Emergency services were called to the scene as flames rapidly spread through the property. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident alongside police and ambulance crews, but despite their efforts, three lives were lost.
Tom Shearman managed to escape from the burning building by smashing his way out, sustaining injuries in the process. In a desperate attempt to save his children, he tried to re-enter the cottage from the outside, attempting to break into their bedroom. The intensity of the fire, however, made it impossible for him to reach them. He was ultimately forced back by the flames, a moment he has described as part of an experience that defies description in its violence and trauma.
Fire investigators have been working to establish the cause of the blaze, although no further official findings had been released at the time of his statement. As with many residential fires, the speed with which conditions deteriorated inside the property left little opportunity for escape once the fire had taken hold. The cottage, like many traditional stone buildings in rural Gloucestershire, was quickly overwhelmed by smoke and heat.
⚠️ WARNING: This post contains descriptions of a fatal house fire
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A Gloucestershire police officer, Tom Shearman, is mourning the loss of his wife and two young children following a devastating house fire on Brimscombe Hill on Boxing Day.
Fionnghuala "Nu" Shearman, 38,… pic.twitter.com/yMWKZAZkuL
Emergency responders at the scene worked in extremely challenging conditions. In his tribute, Shearman acknowledged the efforts of those who attended, stating that they “tried everything” to save his family. He also recognised the emotional toll such incidents take on firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, expressing hope that those involved were receiving appropriate support from colleagues and friends. Boxing Day, he said, was “horrific for all involved,” underscoring that the impact of the fire extended beyond the immediate family to the wider emergency services community.
Tribute to Fionnghuala, Eve and Ohner
In a statement shared publicly, Shearman paid tribute to his wife and children, describing them as “three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence.” His words conveyed both personal devastation and a desire to honour their lives by focusing on who they were rather than solely on how they died.
Fionnghuala Shearman, known as Nu, was described by her husband as exceptionally talented, empathetic, compassionate, and beautiful. She ran a bespoke handbag manufacturing business, producing fashion accessories from leather and canvas. Her work reflected a commitment to craft, design, and making, and she was known for her creativity and attention to detail. Friends and customers alike had praised her for combining artistry with practicality, and her business had been steadily growing.
Shearman expressed a determination to ensure that his wife’s creative legacy would continue. He spoke of plans already underway to preserve and carry forward her work, a decision he said came to him at a moment of profound despair. By continuing her craft, he hopes to honour not only her professional achievements but also the values she embodied through her work.
Their daughter Eve, aged seven, was remembered for her enjoyment of books and writing. Shearman referred to her as a “bright spark,” suggesting a child with curiosity, imagination, and a love of learning. Those qualities, he said, were central to who she was, and he expressed an intention to ensure that her legacy, particularly her passion for reading and creativity, would be carried on in meaningful ways.
Ohner, their four-year-old son, was described as having a deep sense of compassion and a desire to help people. Despite his young age, Shearman highlighted his son’s empathy as a defining trait, indicating that kindness and concern for others were already evident in his character. In remembering both children, Shearman focused on their personalities and the joy they brought to others, rather than their tragic deaths.
The family dog, Hutch, was also mentioned by name, reflecting the place the animal held within the household. Including Hutch in his tribute underscored the completeness of the loss experienced that morning and the sense that an entire family unit had been taken.
Community Response and Public Support
The response to the tragedy from the local community and the wider public has been significant. A fundraising campaign established to support Shearman has raised more than £300,000, a figure he described as “unbelievable out-of-this-world generosity.” In his statement, he said he was “humbled beyond comprehension” by the scale of the support and struggled to find words to adequately thank those who had contributed.
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Beyond financial assistance, Shearman emphasised the importance of the practical and emotional support he has received. He said that family and friends had ensured he had a roof over his head, clothes, food, and, most importantly, company and compassion. These gestures, he indicated, have been vital in helping him begin to process what has happened and to contemplate a path forward. “I will heal,” he said, acknowledging both the depth of his grief and the possibility of recovery over time.
The fundraising campaign has attracted donations from people who did not know the family personally, reflecting a broader sense of solidarity and empathy. Messages accompanying donations have frequently spoken of shared sorrow, admiration for Shearman’s courage, and a desire to help in any way possible. The scale of the response highlights how stories of sudden and devastating loss can resonate far beyond their immediate context.
In his message, Shearman addressed those who had donated directly, stating that they would “forever be in my thoughts and prayers.” He also expressed a hope that he might one day be able to repay their kindness in some form, although he acknowledged that nothing could ever undo what had happened or make sense of the suffering involved.
He concluded his statement by urging people to take every opportunity to tell their loved ones they are loved, quoting author Paulo Coelho on the fleeting nature of time. While deeply personal, this sentiment reflected a broader awareness shaped by his experience, one that has resonated with many who have followed the story.
As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the focus for Shearman remains on honouring the memory of his wife, children, and dog, and on navigating life after a loss that has fundamentally altered its course. The tragedy in Brimscombe has left a lasting mark on the Gloucestershire community, serving as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of compassion shown in its aftermath.