Huge crowds turn out to pay respects to Walkden youngsters killed in fire

Demi, Brandon, Lacie and Lia died in December 2017 in an arson attack.

Author: Victoria GloverPublished 14th Sep 2018
Last updated 14th Sep 2018

Hundreds of people have turned out to pay their respects to four children who were killed in an arson attack on their home in Walkden.

Demi, 15, Brandon, eight, Lacie, seven and three-year-old Lia Pearson died in the blaze after a petrol bomb was thrown at their house on Jackson Street in December 2017.

The funeral arrangements had been on hold to allow their mum, Michelle, to recover from her injuries. She was due to attend, but was tragically forced to pull out the day before the service due to health reasons.

The streets of Walkden were lined with people ahead of the service, as members of the public joined the procession down to St Paul's Church.

Horses with brightly coloured feathers on their heads pulled four carriages containing the coffins of the children up to the front of the church.

The procession also included bagpipes and drummers, limos and flower hearses.

The carriages were pulled in the age order of the children and were themed to their individual tastes. Demi's was based around music, Brandon's around the Avengers, Lacie's was themed with My Little Pony and Lia's was Peppa Pig.

The fire officers who battled to rescue the children were among those there to pay their respects.

The church overflowed with hundreds mourners who spilled out onto the church car park on onto the road adjacent.

A private wake for friends and family of the children is being held after the service.