Two children perished in a fire that destroyed their one-bedroom house in Chapelton, Clarendon, on Thursday night.

The two, both girls, have been identified as Junell McKenzie, 10, and seven-year-old Bianca McKenzie.

Reports from the Chapelton police are that about 8:45 p.m. neighbours saw fire coming from the house and summoned the police and the fire department. The residents reportedly attempted to rescue the children, but could only save the girls' four-year-old brother before flames engulfed the house.

Their charred remains were discovered amongst the rubble during the cooling down operation, which was carried out by firefighters from the Chapelton Fire Station.

The building was not insured and the value of the loss has not yet been ascertained.

Investigators are now asking anyone who may know the whereabouts of the children's mother, who is believed to have fled the scene, to contact them at 987-2244, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.