SIXTH PERSON ARRESTED AFTER THREE PETROL FUELED FIRES WERE SET ON BOTH FLOORS OF THE HOME WHERE THREE CHILDREN DIED AND LEFT A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER IN CRITICAL CONDITION

Shortly before 5am on Monday 11 December 2017, emergency services were called to Jackson Street in Walkden to reports of a house fire.

The fire service sought to put the fire under control and rescue the seven people inside.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested today, Tuesday 12 December on suspicion of murder.

This follows the arrests of four people on suspicion of murder and a further arrest on suspicion of assisting an offender yesterday,

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“We now have a much deeper understanding of the devastating events which lead to the tragic deaths of three children in Walkden in the early hours of yesterday morning and have made significant progress in this investigation.

“Although no formal identification has taken place, the children are believed to be 14-year-old Demi Pearson, 8-year-old Brandon Pearson and 7-year-old Lacie Pearson. Their mum and 3-year-old little sister are still fighting for their lives in hospital.

“I cannot imagine what their family are going through, they are obviously completely devastated, the loss of a child in any circumstances is unthinkable, to lose three in such deplorable circumstances, words cannot describe. My heart breaks for them, it really does.

“Our specially trained family liaison officers are supporting the family and we are doing all that we can to get them the answers they quite rightly deserve.

We have collected CCTV from the area, and now believe this to be a targeted attack on this house.

“We have a full team of detectives and specially trained officers working on this case, and overnight we arrested five people, four on suspicion of murder and the fifth on suspicion of assisting an offender.

“Today we have arrested a 25-year-old man also on suspicion of murder.

“Two of those arrested on suspicion of murder, a 19-year-old man and 20-year-old man have been released on bail, as has a 24 year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The 20-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man who were arrested yesterday  remain in custody for questioning.

“We are so very grateful to the members of the public who have come forward and given us information to help with our investigation. We have received vital information which has helped us to make this progress.

“We are continuing to appeal for information however, we have made arrests but the hard work has really just begun and justice can only be done with the help and support of the local community.

“Anyone with any information is asked to call us on 0161 856 8797 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“A mandatory referral has been made to the IPCC due to the fact there was previous police contact. 

“This will be a painstaking investigation for all involved. We will continue to work with GMFRS to establish the cause of the fire but this is not a quick process.

“Finally, I would like to reassure the local people that we are doing everything in our power to get to the bottom of this and find and bring to justice the people responsible for the murder of three innocent children and the attempted murder of their sister and their mother.

“There will be an increased number of officers on the streets to reassure the local people and anyone with any questions or concerns is asked to speak to those officers.

 

Meanwhile Statements from the headteachers of both schools attended by the victims of Monday mornings tragic arson attack have been issued today.

Emma Henderson, head teacher at Bridgewater Primary school said:

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“We are all shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred yesterday.

“Our school is very much part of this special community and understands the intense pain experienced at this senseless loss of precious life. We are consoling our pupils and their families and send our deepest sympathies and prayers to all those affected.”

 

Drew Povey, head teacher, Harrop Fold school, said:

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“We are all truly devastated by the loss of precious life that our community has recently suffered. Words seem inadequate in these tragic circumstances.

“In these darkest of times, we unite and support our students and their families. Team Harrop mourns alongside the relatives and friends of those whose lives were needlessly and mercilessly taken from them.  The spirit of Salford cannot and will not be crushed. We will work together to comfort and rebuild those lives that have been forever changed.”

 

Meanwhile Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett has issued a short statement on Mondays fire.. Mayor Dennett said:  

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“Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those killed and seriously injured in this horrific incident in our city.

“We’ll continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our communities and police to bring those responsible to justice.”

“Anybody that has information that would be useful to police should report it to the incident room on 0161 856 8797."