Two children have tragically died following a blaze in which their pregnant mum was also injured, police have confirmed.
Emergency services received reports of a house fire at roughly 8pm on Friday with several people trapped inside the property in Preston.
A mother and her two young children, a three-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy, were pulled from the inferno and rushed to hospital.
The youngsters were taken to critical care with life-threatening injuries, but despite doctors best efforts, medical intervention was withdrawn yesterday and the pair sadly passed away.
A report will be passed onto HM Coroner in the coming days, the Mirror reports.
The mum, in her 20s, sustained injuries which were not life-threatening.
It is understood she was pregnant and leapt from a bedroom window to escape.
Neighbours previously told of how they tried desperately to rescue the kids after hearing their screams for help.
Hayden Wolstencroft and Demi-Lee Carroll, both 17, and pal Gordon Simpson told the Sun they smashed through garden fences and climbed on top of a kitchen extension as they tried to save the family.
A spokesperson for police said: "Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. The children’s family continued to be supported by specially-trained officers."
A joint investigation between Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service to determine the cause of the fire is continuing.
A 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life was initially released under investigation pending further enquiries. He has now been released no further action.
The fire was earlier described as an 'explosion' by the leader of Preston City Council.
Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, tweeted in the aftermath of the incident: "Really concerning to hear about the explosion at a property in Avenham this evening.
"Thoughts and prayers with all those affected by what looks like an extremely serious incident."
Det Ch Insp Rach Higson, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This tragic incident has resulted in two children sadly losing their lives and my thoughts, first and foremost, are with their loved ones at this time. Our enquiries into the cause of the fire are continuing.”
Anybody with information is asked to get in touch with police on 101, quoting log 1305 of April 8th.
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