A man and a woman have been killed and two children are in hospital after a fire ripped through a house in Blackpool.
The fire brigade was called to a home in Peter Street in the early hours of this morning following reports of a house on fire with people inside.
Lancashire Police have now confirmed that a woman in her 20s was found dead at the scene, while a man, also in his 20s, was pronounced dead at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Two children have been hospitalised – and one has been described as being in ‘a very poorly condition’.
Police and the fire service are investigating the cause of the fire and say nobody has been arrested.
Chief Superintendent Mike Gladwin said: ‘This incident has resulted in two people losing their lives and my thoughts are with their loved ones at this extremely distressing time.
‘I know this tragic news will be met with great sadness in the local community and people will want instant answers.
‘However, there are grieving loved ones still trying to come to terms with this devastating news.
‘With that in mind, I would ask for patience and that people avoid unhelpful and upsetting speculation.’
A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: ‘At 2:35am, four fire engines from Blackpool, South Shore, and Bispham fire stations attended a fire involving a domestic property on Peter Street in Blackpool.
‘Crews used three hose reels, six breathing apparatus, and two positive pressure ventilation fans to fight the fire. One fire engine remains at the scene.
‘Tragically, a woman in her 20s was found deceased at the scene. A man in his 20s was later pronounced deceased at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
‘Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this devastating time.
‘Two children have been taken to hospital for treatment. One of them is very poorly.
‘Work is ongoing with our colleagues from Lancashire Police to establish the cause of the fire.
‘We would ask anyone who saw or captured anything suspicious on their CCTV, doorbell or dashcam in the Peter Street area in the early hours of this morning to call 101 or report it via the Lancashire Police website. Quote log 97 of 17th July 2024.’
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