Girl is killed in arson tragedy

The family of a young woman who died after an arson attack today spoke of their anguish.

Bar manager Kerry Youngs, 24, was killed and her 28-year-old boyfriend Kevin Chapple suffered severe burns after two youths broke into the flat below theirs and set it on fire.

Miss Youngs's father Gary appealed to the arsonists to give themselves up and said his family had been left "numb" by the loss of his daughter.

Her brother, James Hicks, described Miss Youngs as "a wonderful person, loved by many". He added: "Thank God Kevin is still with us - this is about him as well. Please, if you know anything at all, please let us lay my sister to rest."

The families of the couple have released pictures of them including one taken of Mr Chapple in intensive care on Monday, his 28th birthday.

His mother Marion said: "We do not know what the future holds for Kevin but our thoughts reach out for Kerry's family. Kevin is a loving, kind, witty person - the best son any parent could wish for. Our family and friends hope and pray he recovers fully from his injuries. This has devastated our family and those around us."

Nine people, including three police officers and two paramedics, were injured and 30 rescued in the blaze at Sherwood House flats in Harlow last Wednesday. Firefighters dragged Mr Chapple and Miss Youngs out of their flat but she suffered a heart attack and died in hospital.

Mr Chapple, a DJ who was due to play London's Ministry of Sound, is in a "critical but stable" condition. The couple were together for six months and Miss Youngs's family described them as "soulmates who had the time of their lives together".

The fire was started in a flat whose occupant had abandoned it three days earlier after he reported a campaign of intimidation against him. Police are investigating whether there is a link between the threats to the man and the arson attack.

Mr Chapple's brother Anthony said: "Kevin is a fighter. If anyone can make it he will. We realise [ the arson attack] was not aimed at them but it doesn't help us."

Detective Superintendent Gareth Wilson of Essex Police said: "We hope these pictures will bring to people's minds how serious this crime was and how it has affected the families."

Police have released efits of two white men seen running from the flats as the fire started at about 10.45pm. The first was 15 to 18, 6ft, with spiky brown hair and a spotty face. He wore a hooded top. The second was 17 to 20, 5ft 6in and stocky, with short , scruffy dark hair. Call Essex police on 01279 641188.