‘Cause of fire is still under investigation’

A POLICE and fire investigation is ongoing following the death of Leanne Collopy and the house fire that hospitalised a man and a toddler.

Mum-of-two Leanne Collopy was rescued from a house on Burnley Road in Loveclough at around 10.45pm on July 30 following reports of a fire, but sadly died in hospital on Thursday, August 3.

The 25-year-old was found to have suffered a number of serious stab wounds.

Her 23-month-old daughter, who was also rescued from the fire by the emergency services, remains in hospital being treated for burns.

A 39-year-old man, who also remains in hospital after the incident, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene, and is now receiving medical treatment under police guard.

It is understood that he is the toddler’s father.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue said they were called at around 10.55pm to reports of a house fire on Burnley Road.

They said: “The ground floor was alight when we arrived.

“The ground floor was where the fire was but not necessarily where the fire started. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.”

Firefighters used four breathing apparatus, two hose reels and a ventilation unit to clear the smoke within the property, and gave two adults in the house oxygen treatment. The fire was extinguished around midnight.

Flowers and tributes have since been left outside the house.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Vaughton said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with Leanne’s family and friends.

“Our enquiries continue to establish exactly what happened.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting log reference 1670 of July 30.