The youngsters, named by police as seven-year-old Lewis and five-year-old Taylor Jenkins, were found by firefighters as they tackled a blaze at their home in Eastbourne.

As the investigation into the blaze continued tonight, Eastbourne commander chief inspector Dick Coates said it was not being treated as suspicious.

He added: "Initial indications do not suggest anything other than this being a tragic accident, but I have to keep an open mind on this until a full investigation of the scene can be conducted."

The boys' mother, named locally as Denise Goldsmith, wept as she visited the scene in Milfoil Drive to lay flowers.

She was taken to the Eastbourne District General Hospital following the incident but was released after being treated for minor injuries.

Ms Goldsmith had to be restrained by her family from entering the house, which remains cordoned off while the investigation continues.

Neighbours said the boys' death had left the local community in shock, while others spoke of how they tried in vain to rescue the boys after the fire broke out at around 3pm on Saturday.

Jason Maynard, who was carrying out maintenance work on his mother's house nearby at the time, said he tried to save the children but could not get inside the house.

Mr Maynard, 35, said: "I heard screaming and the sound of breaking glass. Me and my brother, Gary, ran over and could see the place was on fire. The mother was already outside and was screaming for someone to go in and get her kids. We could see the kitchen going up but we couldn't get in, there were flames everywhere."