Girl aged 3 is fourth to die in suspected arson attack

A GIRL of three yesterday became the fourth child to die from a suspected arson attack on her home.

Lia Pearson lost her fight for life hours after a couple appeared in court charged with murder. She died in hospital from injuries sustained in the Salford fire in the early hours of Monday.

Her siblings Demi, 15, Brandon, eight, and Lacie, seven, also died, while mother Michelle Pearson, 35, remained in a coma last night.

Former railway worker Zak Bolland, 23, and girlfriend Courtney Brierley, 20, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court yesterday charged with the murder of Demi, Brandon and Lacie.

They were also accused of attempting to murder Miss Pearson, two 16-year-old boys who escaped the burning house and cannot be named for legal reasons, and Lia, who at the time was critically injured.

They were remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court today. Three suspects were released under investigation yesterday, though a 25-year-old man remained in custody last night.