A woman and a three-year-old child died in a house fire at David James Housing Scheme, Charity, Essequibo Coast.

The Guyana Fire Service identified the victims as Donnett Alberts, 29, and Keron Latchman, three. Their bodies were found after the fire was extinguished.

According to the Fire Service, a water bowser, a pickup and a crew from the Central Fire Station responded. On arrival, firefighters found the building fully engulfed and were told two people were inside.

The building measured about eight by seven metres, stood on two-metre columns and had an exterior of corrugated metal sheets.

The Fire Service classified the suspected cause as malicious, though the circumstances remain unclear. Investigations are continuing to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances of the deaths.