Arsonist ‘lit three fires in killer attack’
DOOR, WINDOW AND CHIMNEY ALL ‘TORCHED’ MUM AND THREE-YEAR-OLD STILL FIGHTING FOR LIFE COMMUNITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO VICTIMS SIXTH PERSON ARRESTED
THE killer of three children who died in an arson attack started a series of petrol fuelled fires at their home - torching both floors of the property as they slept.
The M.E.N has learnt the culprit targeted the chimney, the door and a ground floor window in the attack, which claimed the lives of Michelle Pearson’s three children. It’s also understood it was the second time in a week that the family home at Jackson Street, Walkden, was targeted by arson.
The M.E.N. have also learnt the family had feared for two weeks before the appalling attack that their home would be set alight.
Police were at the house just three hours before the horrendous blaze.
Michelle, 35, and her three-yearold daughter, Lia, are fighting for life in hospital - while Demi, 14, Brandon, eight, and Lacie, seven, all suffered fatal injuries.
Demi was a pupil at Harrop Fold High School, which recently featured in the television programme, Educating Greater Manchester.
The M.E.N. understands the evidence uncovered so far points to a sustained and determined attack on the property:
Traces of fuel were found in at least three locations - the chimney, a ground-floor room and the front door.
The downstairs front room, backroom, kitchen and entrance were all damaged by fire.
The killer may have scaled scaffolding to reach the chimney - which fire investigators were yesterday using an aerial platform to examine.
At the end of last month firefighters fitted a security device on the letterbox to prevent flammable materials being poured through it. The crews attended after a referral from Greater Manchester Police.
Then, a few days ago, firefighters were called to the property after a wheelie bin was set on fire.
Then, at 2am on Monday - three hours before the devastating fire police went to the property after reports of a disturbance.
The children’s brother, Kyle, aged 16, escaped the blaze along with a 16-year-old friend.
Six arrests have so far been made in connection with the fatal fire. Police confirmed last night that three suspects had been bailed. GMP have voluntarily referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission due to previous contact with the family.
Police have confirmed that the force had ‘very recent physical contact’ with the family.
City Mayor Paul Dennett said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those killed and seriously injured in this horrific incident in our city.
“We’ll continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our communities and police to bring those responsible to justice.
“Anybody that has information that would be useful to police should report it to the incident room on 0161 856 8797.”