House blaze kills four siblings

Nineteen year-old Reece Smith, four year-old twins Holly and Ella and two-year-old Jordan all died in the fire at their home in Freckleton last night.

Their mother, Michelle – who had celebrated her 36th birthday on Saturday – was rescued from the blaze by firefighters.

The four siblings were taken to Preston Royal Infirmary but were all later pronounced dead. Their mother Michelle, who has five other children, was not thought to be injured.

Today her father, Keith Smith, 56, said his daughter, who had been celebrating her birthday yesterday, was staying with relatives in the area.

I can’t think of any reason why this has happened. It has just come as a big shock. Keith Smith, grandfather

Mr Smith, who found out about the blaze on the news, said: “It’s very shocking, these are such tragic circumstances.

“I don’t know anything about what happened last night. They have lived here for about two-and-a-half years – this was their grandmother’s former home.

“I haven’t had chance to speak to Michelle yet. It is just terrible.

“I last saw them all just after Christmas. I can’t think of any reason why this has happened. It has just come as a big shock.”

Detective Andy Murphy, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “We are trying to establish the cause of this fire.

“We are keeping an open mind at this stage as to what happened. We need to determine how many people were there and determine what happened,” he said.

He would not comment on whether a party was held at the address last night.

Phil Cox, group manager for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said the service was called to the scene at about 11.20pm last night.

He said that members of the public rang to say that people – including small children – were trapped in the building as three fire engines were en route.

“As soon as the crews arrived it seemed quite a chaotic scene with a lot of people outside quite distressed,” he said.

Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued the four casualties while another person who did not medical attention was led out, said Mr Cox.

“As soon as they were brought out it was a multi-agency approach to commence resuscitation,” he said.

“We would like to pass on our condolences to the family of the victims. It is a tragic situation that we have ended up here today.

As soon as the crews arrived it seemed quite a chaotic scene with a lot of people outside quite distressed. Phil Cox, Lancs Fire & Rescue

“Subsequently there is now a full police and fire investigation to ascertain the cause of the incident and try to piece together what happened last night.”

It is thought that some of the casualties were taken from a small room in the upstairs at the rear of the converted bungalow.

At the front of the property there was no apparent damage caused by the blaze and the scene was cordoned off while forensic officers begin their investigations.

A number floral tributes had been left outside. One read: “Michelle I’m sorry for your loss, with deepest sympathy. Love Becky Bashford and family xxx”.