British mother of four dies in house fire as her children escape

A British mother of four died in a house fire this weekend, while her children reportedly managed to escape.

In the early hours of Sunday, November 10, Kate Mulcahy, 37, was found dead after a fire broke out at the family’s home in Middleton, Greater Manchester. The Guardian, The times and the Manchester Evening News.

The media reported that Mulcahy was the mother of one-year-old twins and two girls. According to The times“It is believed that a number of children escaped from the home.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told PEOPLE that authorities responded to reports of a house fire on Roundthorn Road at 4:22 a.m. local time on Sunday morning.

“Emergency services attended and unfortunately a woman in her 30s was found deceased in the house,” the spokesperson said.

“An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances,” she added, without confirming the woman’s identity.

The Guardian reported that formal identification has yet to take place, citing a police spokesperson.

Per The timesthe house, believed to be valued at £1.2 million (just over $1.5 million), was recently put up for sale, but an online listing has since been removed.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service did not immediately respond when PEOPLE contacted them.

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Tributes have poured in for Mulcahy since news of the tragedy emerged. This was said by the victim’s father, Peter Cropper Daily mail: “It’s a tragic accident.”

According to the Manchester Evening NewsCarol Duggan, who lives close to the family, said: “I got up at 5am because I couldn’t sleep. It was very bright outside and I went to see what was going on.”

“There were fire trucks. In the morning I walked down and saw it was cordoned off. She seemed like a nice person, very talkative. I was totally shocked to find out it was her,” Duggan added, according to the outlet.

“I just spoke to her a few weeks ago as she was walking home with the kids. She was very friendly,” the neighbor said, according to the publication. “I walked the dog and she walked the kids. I talked to her every time I saw her. It’s horrible.”

East Middleton councilor Dylan Williams wrote further Facebook on Monday: “Heartbreaking news from Ramsden Farm on Roundthorn Road, Alkrington in #EastMiddleton this morning… My thoughts and prayers are with the deceased family and friends. 30 years really isn’t an age at all.”