The couple killed in a house fire in Blackpool this week have now been named by police.
Joshua Pearson, 28, and Danielle Bamber, 24, were both named by police as part of a plea to refrain from posting images of Danielle and her family on social media other than those two shared by police as part of their tribute.
Danielle was found dead at the scene while Joshua was pronounced dead later at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after emergency services attended at Peter Street on Wednesday (17 July) morning.
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 did not sustain any serious injuries after reportedly being rescued by a neighbour. The 20-month-old remains in hospital in a ‘poorly condition’.
Police have also made it clear that, while they are keeping an open mind regarding the cause of the fire, they have found no evidence that the fire was started deliberately.
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.”
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 continue to appeal for information and anyone who can help should call them on 101 or report it via their website. Quote log 97 of 17th July 2024.
Our features, investigations and essays are available to subscribers first.
We want to back into journalism. Lend us a hand, and get our weekly newsletter and magazine editions in your inbox, for free.
