Couple in court as girl of 3 becomes 4th victim of fire
During yesterday’s hearing at Manchester magistrates court the accused pair, both wearing grey jogging bottoms and grey tops, spoke only to confirm their names, their addresses in Worsley and dates of birth.
Their appearance lasted less than two minutes before they were led away by prison officers.
Today they are due to appear before a judge at Manchester Crown Court, and will be accused of causing the fourth child’s death too.
They are also accused of the attempted murder of the victims’ mother, Michelle Pearson, 35, and two 16 year-old boys who cannot be named.
Ms Pearson remains in a serious condition in hospital, unaware her four children have died.
Greater Manchester Police said the two 16-year-olds who survived were also in the house but managed to escape before fire crews arrived.
The force also confirmed there Mother Michelle and eldest victim Demi, 15 Lacie, seven, and Brandon, eight, both died were “earlier incidents” at the property and have referred themselves to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
It is understood the referral was automatic because there was police contact with the family less than 24 hours before the tragedy.
Ms Pearson was forced to raise her five children alone after her partner Paul – father of Lia – died of cancer a year ago. Floral tributes have carpeted the pavement outside the family’s home. A soft toy placed among the flowers bore the words: “RIP Demi, Brandon and Lacie.”
At a press conference the day after the blaze Chief Supt Wayne Miller said: “I can’t imagine what the family are going through. My heart breaks for them, it really does.”
Emma Henderson, head of Bridgewater Primary School which Lacie and Brandon attended, said: “We are consoling our pupils and their families and send our sympathies and prayers to those affected.”
Drew Povey, head of Harrop Fold School where Demi studied, said: “We are all devastated by the loss of precious life. Words seem inadequate in these tragic circumstances. The spirit of Salford cannot and will not be crushed. We will work together to rebuild those lives that have been for ever changed.”
Yesterday detectives were continuing to question a 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder.
Two other men aged 19 and 20, also arrested on suspicion of murder, have been bailed along with a 24-year-old detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.