HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a Pershore swimming star who died in a fire at her home near Worcester.
Tazmin Pugh, 18 and her 21-year-old boyfriend Josh Kirk lost their lives in the blaze at a property in Cotheridge on Sunday (October 28) evening.
A total of 30 firefighters were sent to tackle the fire but couldn’t save the couple from the incident which was initially noticed by paramedics from a passing ambulance who stopped to help.
The teenager was a member of Pershore Swimming Club and enjoyed a glittering career in the pool which saw her represent England and Great Britain at youth levels.
“With enormous shock and sorrow that we heard today that Tazmin Pugh has tragically,” the club tweeted.
“There are no words to describe the horror of losing one so young. All at Pershore Swimming Club send their thoughts and prayers to her family and friends at this dreadful time. RIP Tazmin.”
The talented teenager won six medals at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa and secured first places in her age group in Luxembourg, Italy, Toronto, Texas and Antwerp.
In addition, she won ten gold medals at the East and West Midlands District event, five golds in the National Short Course Championships and more recently eight golds in the British Summer Swimming Championships.
She also took the European Junior Championship title in the 200m backstroke as well as silver in the team relay and fourth in the 100m backstroke and held 16 regional junior and open records.
In a statement, British Swimming said: “British Swimming and Swim England have learnt of reports of the untimely passing of swimmer Tazmin Pugh and wish to extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
“This tragic news has been a real shock to all of us in the swimming community and we will be working closely with staff and athletes who have been affected by this sad news.
“We would also like to pass on our deepest sympathies to the friends and families of Tazmin’s partner, Josh Kirk, who has also sadly lost his life.”
Det Insp Mark Roberts said: “Following a fire at a property on Bromyard Road, Cotheridge on Sunday (October 28), we are leading a thorough investigation with the support of partners across a number of agencies.
“At this stage we are unable to formally release the identity of the 21-year-old and 18-year-old who sadly died, but our thoughts remain with their families.
“I want to reassure members of the local community that no one is being sought in connection with the incident and public safety is not a concern.”
