A 13-year-old schoolgirl has died in a devastating house fire at the same property her family was forced to flee from just months earlier in a separate blaze.
A Fatal Night in Prescot
On the night of April 2, emergency services were called to a terraced house on Kingsway in Prescot, Merseyside, at around 11.40pm. Outside, they found Layla Allen's parents, Shaun Allen and Michelle McGarry, along with her five siblings. Tragically, the teenager was trapped inside the burning building.
Firefighters forced their way into the property and discovered Layla on the top bunk of her bed in a first-floor rear bedroom. Her condition was sadly "not compatible with life." The Year 8 pupil from St Edmund Arrowsmith School in Whiston was declared dead at the scene.
A History of Fire and Refused Help
The inquest into Layla's death heard that this was the second serious fire at the family home in a matter of months. The first fire, which caused considerable damage, occurred earlier and was also believed to have been started by a "live flame," likely from a child playing with a lighter.
Following that initial fire, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service conducted a risk assessment in November 2024. Days later, they offered to refer the family to the SAFE (Safety Advice and Fire Education) programme, designed to educate young people about the dangers of playing with fire. The inquest heard that Layla's mother refused this intervention.
Coroner Anita Bhardwaj expressed deep concern over the short time between the two fires. "I'm concerned about the fact that there has been a second fire within such a short period of time," she said, adding she was "glad that social services are involved."
Unanswered Questions and an Open Conclusion
The investigation, led by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service officer Ruth Baller-Wilson, found the fatal fire most likely ignited on the top bunk of Layla's bed, aided by oxygen from an open window. Two disposable lighters, which the parents said did not belong to them, were found in the home.
Authorities ruled out all potential ignition sources except for a naked flame. The coroner noted that police were unable to interview the other children present due to the trauma of the event, a decision supported by children's social care. This lack of evidence left key questions unanswered.
Given Layla was a fit and healthy teenager, investigators believe she would have been able to escape if awake. This led to the conclusion that she was likely asleep when the fire started and did not start it herself. Her official cause of death was recorded as the "effects of fire."
With too many unresolved issues, Coroner Bhardwaj recorded an open conclusion. "We don't know what actually happened. We don't know who started the actual fire," she stated. She strongly urged the family to engage with fire service support to educate the children and keep them safe.
In a heartfelt statement, Layla's family remembered her as a "shining light" who was funny, charismatic, and creative, with a passion for TikTok, make-up, and drawing.
