A REVEREND has told of how Walkden community is left “devastated” after a suspected arson attack killed three children and left a mother and daughter fighting for their lives.

Over 200 people poured into the church on Monday night to light candles and say prayers.

Reverend Gill Page from St John the Baptist, Parish Church spoke after the deaths of Demi Pearson, 14, her eight-year-old brother Brandon and seven-year-old sister Lacie following the blaze on Jackson Street, Walkden, Salford, on Monday.

The children’s 35-year-old mother, Michelle Pearson, is in a serious condition in hospital while a fourth sibling, three-year-old Lia, is critically ill.

Rev Page said: “The community doesn’t really know how to react to such an awful tragedy, but they’re a tight-knit community and hopefully they’ll pull together.

“You never know when a tragedy like this is going to happen, but we’re just glad that we’re here as a church and we’ve opened our doors for people to come in.

“People have been lighting candles, writing in the book of condolence and just coming to someone to listen and say prayers with them.”

Since the tragic blaze floral tributes, toys and candles have been left outside the house on Jackson Street and Police cars and the fire investigation team are still parked outside the property.

Several Facebook pages have been set up including a fundraising page to help pay for the costs of the funerals of the three children that died in the fire.

The page has almost raised it’s full target of £4000 with the current total standing at £3730 and people are leaving tributes to the children on the page.

Sandra Wilding said: “Fly high little angels my thoughts are with the family x”

While Susan Eckersall commented: “My heart bleeds for this poor family”

People have laid flowers on the street in memory of the three children that sadly died

A JustGiving page has also been set up to raise money for the family which has currently raised £1210, and you can donate here.

Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett said that:

“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.”

Five people are being questioned in connection with the incident. Police are still appealing for witnesses and anyone with information on the blaze should contact them on 0161 856 8797 alternatively call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

You can catch the full coverage of this story on Quays News on the 4.30 programme live on Youtube.

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