Blackpool fire: Man and woman in their 20s are killed and two children are rushed to hospital after house blaze as police launch investigation

Two people are dead and two children are injured in hospital after a fire ripped through a home in Blackpool. 

Four fire engines on blue lights rushed to the blaze in Peter Street at 2.40am today where 'screaming and a big bang' was heard. 

A woman in her 20s died at the scene, while a man, also aged in his 20s, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Two children were also taken to hospital with police saying one of them is 'very poorly'. 

One local, who did not wish to be named, told The Gazette a neighbour smashed through a window to save one of the children.  

They said: 'I woke up because I could hear screaming and a big bang but I didn't know what was going on at first.

'A neighbour smashed a window to get one of the children out of the house. It's awful.'

Lancashire Police is keeping an 'open mind' as it launched a joint investigation with the fire service.

A few neighbouring properties had to be evacuated with police saying some displaced people are being supported by Blackpool Council.

No arrests have been made and the road has been cordoned off between Victory Road and Selbourne Road. It is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day. 

Chief Superintendent Mike Gladwin said: 'This incident has resulted in two people losing their lives and my thoughts are with their loved ones at this extremely distressing time.

'I know this tragic news will be met with great sadness in the local community and people will want instant answers.

The cause of fire is not yet known and no arrests have been made. 

Speaking at a press conference at the scene, Ch Supt Gladwin said the dead were the parents of the injured children. 

He said: 'We understand they lived in the property and are the parents and their children.

'We have evacuated a small number of properties while we conduct our investigations.'

He added: 'However, there are grieving loved ones still trying to come to terms with this devastating news.

'With that in mind, I would ask for patience and that people avoid unhelpful and upsetting speculation.'

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said 'At 2.35am on Wednesday, July 17, four fire engines from Blackpool, South Shore, and Bispham fire stations attended a fire involving a domestic property on Peter Street in Blackpool. 

'Crews used three hose reels, six breathing apparatus, and two positive pressure ventilation fans to fight the fire. Fire crews remain on the scene.'

Anyone who saw or captured anything suspicious on their CCTV, doorbell or dashcam in the Peter Street area in the early hours of Wednesday should call 101, or report it via Lancashire Constabulary's website, quoting log 97 of July 17 2024.