Melissa Crook, 20, and her 15-month-old son Noah died in a house fire

by Lynn Cox and Dan Bloom

medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk

A third person has appeared in court over a fatal fire in Chatham last weekend.

Unemployed Emma Smith, from The Barley Lea, Stoke Aldermore, Coventry, appeared before magistrates in Medway this morning.

The 21-year-old is charged with one count of conspiracy to murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

She has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court tomorrow (Friday).

Police cordoned off the road while emergency services and forensic officers attended the scene

Smith is the latest person to be charged in relation to the fire.

Her boyfriend and estranged husband and father of the victims, Danai Muhammadi, was the first to be charged on Tuesday, with two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

The 23-year-old is a car salesman from Britannia Street, Coventry.

Muhammidi's friend, Farhad Mahmud, 35, of Kensington House, Fernhill Road, Maidstone, was charged the following day, also with two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

Both men are due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court tomorrow.

A fourth person, a 37-year old man from Coventry, has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Tributes left at the scene of the fatal house fire in Chatham Hill, Chatham

The house suffered major damage in the blaze

The fire, which was started in the early hours of Saturday, killed Melissa Crook, 20, and her 15 month old son, Noah.

The pair were trapped when a bedroom caved in. Melissa is believed to have been found cradling Noah in her arms.

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Her dad, Mark, 49, is still in a life-threatening condition in East Grinstead Hospital.

Her brother Bohdan, 21, has now been released from Medway Maritime Hospital following treatment for broken bones and smoke inhalation.

Melissa's mum, Amanda, 49, was discharged from hospital on Tuesday after being treated for smoke inhalation and burns.

Hundreds of friends, family and strangers have left floral tributes outside the house and posted online messages.

Friends praised the victims, who one called "a wonderful mum and beautiful baby."