A YOUNG man killed alongside his girlfriend in a house fire has been described as a “fearless warrior and a beautiful soul” by a friend.

Tributes for Josh Kirk, 21, and Tazmin Pugh, 18, have been flooding in following their deaths in the fire in Cotheridge on Sunday.

Tazmin was a talented swimmer, representing Great Britain at the Commonwealth Youth Games, while boyfriend Josh has been described as an “incredible pianist” and “soul of the party”.

In a tribute posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Cat Densham said: “You pushed people to smile and make memories, just as you did because you wanted the people around you to laugh and be happy.”

The 24-year-old said she had only met Tazmin briefly but said she was the “best thing to happen in a long time” for Josh, of Worcester and a former pupil of Chantry High School in Martley.

“I was stricken by her stunning uninhibited smile and the way she treated me like an old friend from the moment we met,” said Cat.

“She seemed like a bright girl with a beautiful soul and a future full of potential.”

She went on to describe how the time in which she lived with Josh was “probably the maddest of my life”.

“From my first free party to the first person I tattooed, the first person who made me truly understand that provided you're not hurting other people, you should live your life to the fullest because you only get one."

She said the memories that would stick with her most were made on a camping trip to Wales when they “realised nobody had a tent.”

She added: “There were times I wanted to bounce your messy head off a wall, but you did more for me than you'll ever know or I ever even did until now.

“From the hugs and the talks to the lifts and the parties and the laughs, it kills me that I never really thanked you for all that you did.”

She added: “My thoughts are with your families and close ones. You touched the lives of so many around you, and I hope you've found your peace.”

Josh’s mum Beryl Kirk, also writing on Facebook, said: "We would like to thank all our wonderful friends and family for your kind messages of support on the tragic death of our son Josh and his girlfriend. We are reading them and take comfort from you all.”

Mark Stowe, head coach at Worcester Swimming club, said: “Tazmin was the most gifted swimmer that I have ever known and also a truly lovely young woman who brought joy into others' lives.

"Her death is a terrible tragedy and the world is a much poorer place without her. She will be deeply missed by everyone at Worcester SC, and we send our love to her family as they come to terms with this dreadful loss.”

Tom Naughton, head coach at Pershore Swimming Club, said: “I was lucky enough to coach Tazmin from a young age and even back then her talent in the pool was remarkable.

"She went on to achieve great things not only nationally but at international level. She was not only a great swimmer, though but a truly lovely, energetic person too. She will be remembered fondly by all at Pershore SC, and we send our thoughts and prayers to her family.”

The couple were in the house on the A44 between Cotheridge and Broadwas, near Worcester, but could not be saved despite 30 firefighters and officers being sent to fight the fire.

Paramedics from a passing ambulance initially spotted the fire at around 8pm on Sunday evening.

West Mercia Police Detective Inspector Mark Roberts said no one is being sought in connection with the incident and “public safety is not a concern”.

He added that investigations are continuing and “our thoughts remain with their families”.