Police issue update after fatal Blackpool fire

Police have issued an update after two people died in a house fire in Blackpool this week.

Officers were called to Peter Street in Blackpool at 2.39am on Wednesday morning following reports of a fire with people reported to be inside the property.

There was a significant emergency response involving officers and our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

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.

The man has been named as Joshua Pearson, 28.

While the woman has not yet been formally identified police believe her to be Danielle Bamber, 24.

 In a tribute Joshua’s family said: “Joshua was a much-loved son, that will be sorely missed, who adored his girlfriend and children.”

Danielle’s family said: “We as a family are devastated by what has happened to Danielle our daughter and her family.

“Please allow us respect as a family to grieve in peace and refrain from any further speculation on social media and to refrain from posting further pictures of Danielle and her family. Please respect our wishes at our time.”

The couple lived at the address along with their two children aged six years and 20 months. The six-year-old was taken to hospital after the fire but thankfully did not sustain any serious injuries. The 20-month-old remains in hospital in a poorly condition. 

Work is ongoing with our colleagues from the fire service to establish the exact cause of the fire and we are keeping an open mind but so far, we have found no evidence that it was started deliberately.

Chief Supt Mike Gladwin, our West Divisional Commander, said: “My thoughts today are with those impacted by this tragic event. This is an absolutely heartbreaking incident which has resulted in two people losing their lives, and two young children losing their parents. One of those young people remains very poorly in hospital.

“Our work to try and understand exactly what has happened to cause this devastating fire is ongoing and when we are in a position to give further updates we will do so, but as I’m sure people will appreciate this may take some time.

“I know news of this incident will have deeply affected people in the local area and further afield and I would like to thank the community for their support and understanding.”

Police are continuing to appeal for information and anyone who can help should call us on 101 or report it via our website. Quote log 97 of 17^th July 2024.