A schoolgirl was burned to death while asleep on her bunk bed after it was ‘set on fire with a cigarette lighter’, an inquest heard.
Layla Allen, 13, died after the blaze ripped through her family home in Prescot, Merseyside, last year.
Firefighters scrambled to the inferno shortly before midnight on April 2, after reports a fire had broken out in the first floor rear bedroom of the property.
When they arrived, Layla’s parents, Shaun Allen and Michelle McGurry, were standing outside the home with her five siblings.
‘Charismatic’ Layla was trapped inside and was found in her bedroom lying still on the top bunk of a bunk bed.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbours later told how they woke up to screams and heard a man shouting ‘jump, I’ll get you outside the window’ as flames took hold of the home.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service investigation officer Ruth Baller-Wilson, who led an investigation into the fire, said: ‘It’s difficult to determine the exact sequence of events, however the burn pattern suggests this fire ignited on the bunk bed.
Layla Allen, 13, (pictured) died after the blaze ripped through her family home in Prescot, Merseyside, last year
In a tribute released in April, the youngster’s family said: ‘Layla was a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew her.’
‘The fire ignited on the top bunk and developed within the bedding before it spread to the mattress, supported by the oxygen from an open window by the bed.
‘Layla was a fit, healthy 13-year-old; she wasn’t trapped and there was no reason why she wouldn’t have at least been able to get down from the bunk, even if it was on fire. 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. It’s possible that her clothes may have ignited, but I still would have expected her to get herself down from the bunk and attempt self-rescue.’
While the investigation was not able to find a definite cause of the fire, it found it was ‘more likely than not that it was a live flame, such as a lighter.’
Two lighters, which Layla’s parents claim were not theirs were found inside the property.
At her inquest on January 16, coroner Anita Bhardwaj said: ‘Police were unable to interview the other children present in the house, and what police have said in effect is that they had been prevented from gathering further evidence, and without statements from all parties present they cannot rule out anything.
‘It’s correct to say that they couldn’t interview the other children because of the damage that it would cause to them.
‘That 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’
Pictured: Several of the floral tributes left in the street where the fatal fire took place
Mourners left cards with touching tributes to the 13-year-old schoolgirl
Merseyside police found no evidence that any person outside the home had been involved in the fire.
In a tragic twist of fate, the fatal fire was the second blaze to ravage the property in less than a year.
Layla’s mother had previously posted photographs of the damage to the Kingsway house last July after it caught fire, when she appealed for people to contribute to a GoFundMe page set up to help the family in its aftermath.
The pictures showed the aftermath of the blaze which left rooms scorched and blackened.
A local said: ‘They had to move out after the fire last year. The mum said they needed to have a lot of work done and safety improvements made. I think they only moved back in last November.’
In a tribute released in April, the youngster’s family said: ‘Layla was a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew her.
‘She was funny, charismatic, and so quick-witted—always ready with a joke or a clever remark that brought smiles to those around her. With an infectious energy and a heart full of love, she had a way of making every moment brighter.
‘She was a true friend to so many, always bringing laughter and warmth wherever she went. She had a passion for TikTok, makeup, and drawing—expressing her creativity in ways that made her uniquely Layla.
Teddies and cuddly toys were also left by heartbroken mourners following the tragedy
‘Layla was a typical, happy, and full-of-life 13-year-old, filled with dreams, laughter and love. She was cherished beyond words by her mum, dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents who adored her deeply.
‘She touched the hearts of everyone she met and left a lasting impact on so many.’
Floral tributes to Layla were left outside the family’s home.
One said: ‘I will forever miss you Layla, fly high my beautiful friend. Love you forever. Thank you for being you.’
Online posts also paid tribute to the ‘gorgeous’ schoolgirl.
One local said this today: ‘Layla was a lovely girl. I feel so sorry for her family – it’s all so very sad. Her mum was brilliant – always thinking of her kids and making sure they had what they wanted.’
