Two children have died following a devastating house fire in Lancashire. A girl, aged three and boy, aged five were taken to hospital in a critical condition following the blaze in Preston last Friday (8 April).
Police have since confirmed medical intervention was withdrawn yesterday (12 April), and they have now tragically passed away. An investigation to determine the cause of the fire is ongoing, Lancs Live reports.
Emergency services were called at around 8pm to an address on Coronation Crescent following reports of a fire with several people trapped inside a house. A mother and her two children were brought out of the address and taken to hospital.
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The mother, aged in her 20s, suffered injuries which were not life-threatening. . A 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life was initially released under investigation pending further enquiries. He has now been released with no further action.
A spokesperson for police said: "Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. The children’s family continued to be supported by specially-trained officers."
Four fire engines from Preston, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, and Hyndburn were called to the scene at 7.50pm on Friday 8 April. The fire was put out around an hour later and crews remained on scene to dampen down.
Det Ch Insp Rach Higson, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: "This tragic incident has resulted in two children sadly losing their lives and my thoughts, first and foremost, are with their loved ones at this time. Our enquiries into the cause of the fire are continuing."
In a previous statement released on Saturday, the day after the fire, Lancashire Police said: "We were called at around 8pm yesterday to reports of a fire at an address on Coronation Crescent, Preston. Three people – a woman aged in her 20s and two children aged three and five – have been taken to hospital in a critical condition. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
"The incident is currently being treated as unexplained. A cordon is in place around the address and we are asking people to avoid the area if possible."
Anybody with information is asked to get in touch with police on 101, quoting log 1305 of April 8th.
