Accra, Dec. 19, GNA - Two young children were on Tuesday dawn burnt to death when fire gutted the wooden structure in which they were sleeping at La Agbawe in Accra.

Christabel Kwaley, aged three years and Adjeley Agyei, aged two years were burnt beyond recognition, Police said on Tuesday. Speaking to GNA, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samuel A. Adane Nyamekye, La District Police Commander, said the bodies had been deposited at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital morgue. ASP Nyamekye said Mr Sampson Nii Agyei Okpoti, 36, father of one of the victims, who attempted to rescue them, sustained injuries on the face.

Mr Okpoti is, however, responding to treatment at the La General Hospital.

Christabel was a niece of Ms Gladys Sowah, Mr Okpoti's wife, while Adjeley was the daughter of the couple. Christabel was said to have been passing the night at her Aunt's house to enable them to travel the following day. The La District Commander said Mr Okpoti and Ms Sowah, residents of Agbawe in La, Accra, lit a candle in their room at about 2100 hours on Monday.

According to ASP Nyamekye during the night the couple decided to sleep outside since the room was too hot.

At about 0100 hours on Tuesday Mr Okpoti woke up to see his room in flames and raised the alarm.

He attempted to rescue the two children from the fire but he sustained facial injuries. ASP Nyamekye said the fire spread to a house attached to the wooden structure.

"When the fire was put off finally, the charred bodies were found," ASP Nyamekye said.

He appealed to the public to go to the aid of the couple, who had lost almost everything.

The La District Police Commander advised that candles and lanterns should be put off before going to bed to avoid any disaster. He said the Police did not suspect any foul play.