THE FUNERAL OF FOUR CHILDREN WHOSE LIVES WERE CUT SHORT AFTER AN ARSON ATTACK ON THEIR HOME IS TAKING PLACE THIS MORNING

The funerals of Demi Pearson, aged 15 and her siblings Brandon (8), Lacie (7) and Lia aged just 3 years old took place this morning, with countless mourners lining the streets to see them off on their final journey despite the heavy rain.

Tragedy struck their family home on Jackson Street in Walkden just before Christmas on the 11th of December last year as fire ripped through the building taking the lives of three of the children with the fourth and youngest member of the family (Lia) sadly passing away in hospital shortly afterwards.

The funeral commenced led by bagpipes and drummers at approximately 10am from their former family home which was destroyed by the fire, slowly winding its way through streets as thousands from the local community stood silent to pay their respects.

The cortege briefly pausing for a minutes silence at Bridgewater school where Lacie and Brandon were both pupils, then onward along Manchester Road East towards St Paul's Church where family and close friends had gathered both inside and out as the service was relayed on loud speakers for those who could not get a seat.

The procession then made its way to their final resting place upon the horse-drawn carriages which carried their beautiful specially made coffins.

It is understood that the children's mother Michelle was unable to attend the funeral due to unforeseen medical circumstances.

Michelle was also seriously injured in the horrific attack for which Zak Bolland, David Worrall and Courtney Brierley were jailed for in May, she still remains in a critical condition in hospital.

In a tribute penned from her hospital bed and read aloud at the service. Michelle said:

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“They were the twinkle in my eye, now they are angels in the sky. One day we will be reunited together forever.”

Speaking of her youngest daughter who was just 3 years old, she said:

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“She is dead clever, big blue eyes and a smile that melted your heart.”

And of Seven year old Lacie, she said:

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“She loves to dance and sing. She would turn the TV on and just sing and dance along. It makes me smile just thinking about it.”

Son Brandon who was 8 at the time of his death was described by his mum as:

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"A little architect in the making. He promised me he would build me a house".

And finally when paying tribute to her 15 year old daughter Demi, she said:

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“We did a lot together. She was my best friend.”

The children's brother Kyle and his friend Bobby Harris were the only other people in the house at the time who managed to survive the attack. They did so by climbing out of a window to escape the inferno inside. Kyle immediately attempted to re enter the home to rescue his mother and siblings but was beaten back by the heat and flames.

Michelle is a doting, loving mother who was tragically robbed of four of her children under the most horrific circumstances imaginable, grandparents lost their grandchildren and a whole community lost the joy and laughter they brought.

Our thoughts are with the family at this most upsetting time, Salford stands with you all.