A coroner has detailed the evidential hurdles facing police investigating the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl in a house fire, stating officers 'cannot rule out anything' due to an inability to gather key witness statements.
Firefighters Discover Girl in Burning Bedroom
Layla Allen died after a fire erupted at her family home in Prescot, Merseyside, on 2 April. Her parents, Shaun Allen and Michelle McGurry, along with her five siblings, managed to escape the property. Firefighters forced entry and found the teenager on the top bunk of her first-floor bed. Her condition was described as 'not compatible with life' and she was declared dead at the scene.
Coroner Reveals Investigation Was 'Prevented'
At the opening of the inquest into Layla's death, coroner Anita Bhardwaj explained the significant limitations placed on the police investigation. Merseyside Police were unable to interview the other children present in the house on the night of the fire.
Coroner Bhardwaj stated: "The family have indicated that interviews would cause too much harm to the children and they would have to relive the incident. This was supported by the children's social care, and this prevented evidence being gathered." She concluded that without these statements, police could not eliminate any possibilities.
Lighter May Have Ignited Bedding, Expert Suggests
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service investigation officer, Ruth Baller-Wilson, provided details on the fire's origin. She said the burn pattern indicated the fire ignited on the top bunk, developing within the bedding before spreading to the mattress, aided by oxygen from an open window.
Baller-Wilson's investigation eliminated all potential ignition sources "with the exception of a naked flame", such as that from a lighter. Two disposable lighters were found in the home, which Layla's parents said did not belong to them.
The fire officer also suggested Layla was most likely asleep when the fire broke out, noting she was fit and healthy and not trapped. "Therefore I believe it's more likely she was asleep at the time... If Layla did start the fire herself, there would be no reason why she wouldn't escape the room," Baller-Wilson added.
Police confirmed they found no evidence of involvement by any third party outside the house. The inquest into Layla Allen's death was adjourned to a future date.
