A 13-year-old girl killed in a house fire was found in her bed by firefighters – a coroner has now revealed why police ‘cannot rule out anything’ in the tragedy
A schoolgirl tragically died after a deadly fire ripped through her bunk bed while she slept, but mystery still surrounds her horror death.
Layla Allen, 13, died when a blaze erupted at her home in Prescot, on April 2. Her parents, Shaun Allen and Michelle McGurry, and her five siblings were found outside the property but the young girl was sadly trapped inside. Firefighters forced their way into the burning house and found the 13-year-old on the top bunk of her bed, on the first floor.
A corner revealed that “police have said in effect they had been prevented from gathering further evidence” in the tragic mystery into Layla’s death.
When firefighters discovered Layla, they said her condition was “not compatible with life” and she was tragically declared dead at the scene. An inquest into her tragic passing has been launched and the coroner, yesterday, revealed why police “cannot rule out anything”.
Coroner Anita Bhardwaj stated: “Police were unable to interview the other children present in the house, and what police have said in effect is that they had been prevented from gathering further evidence, and without statements from all parties present they cannot rule out anything.
“It’s correct to say that they couldn’t interview the other children because of the damage that it would cause to them. That the family have indicated that interviews would cause too much harm to the children and they would have to relive the incident. This was supported by the children’s social care, and this prevented evidence being gathered.”
Merseyside Police said they found no evidence that any third party outside of the house had been involved in the horror fire, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Authorities revealed a lighter could have ignited the flames, but this has not been confirmed. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service investigation officer Ruth Baller-Wilson said: “It’s difficult to determine the exact sequence of events, however the burn pattern suggests this fire ignited on the bunk bed.
“The fire ignited on the top bunk and developed within the bedding before it spread to the mattress, supported by the oxygen from an open window by the bed.”
She added that the investigation eliminated all potential sources “with the exception of a naked flame” such as a lighter. Two disposable lighters, which Layla’s parents alleged did not belong to them, were found inside the home.
The officer added that Layla was most likely sleeping when the fire broke out, adding: “Layla was a fit, healthy 13-year-old; she wasn’t trapped and there was no reason why she wouldn’t have at least been able to get down from the bunk, even if it was on fire. Therefore I believe it’s more likely she was asleep at the time.”
Baller-Wilson added: “If Layla did start the fire herself, there would be no reason why she wouldn’t escape the room. It’s possible that her clothes may have ignited, but I still would have expected her to get herself down from the bunk and attempt self-rescue.”
