Investigations continue after fatal house fire in Litherland on Boxing Day

Firefighters attended a house fire on Church Road, #Litherland, on Thursday 26th December in which a person sadly lost their life.

Crews were alerted at 2.23pm and on scene at 2.28pm. Three fire engines attended.

Area Manager Gary Oakford said: "On arrival crews found a fire in the first floor bedroom of the property. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property equipped with hose reel jets.”

"One person was pulled from the property by firefighters. Sadly they were pronounced deceased at the scene.”

"A second person was assessed at the scene by paramedics from North West Ambulance Service and taken to hospital for further treatment. Merseyside Police also attended.”

"A joint investigation into the cause of the fire will be carried out in due course."

Firefighters left the scene at 4.02pm.

UPDATE 11.12am Fri 27th Dec

Following initial investigations, it is believed the fire started accidentally.

Area Manager Gary Oakford said: "Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service was called at approximately 2.20pm on Boxing Day to a persons reported house fire on Church Road, Litherland. We understood from the caller that there was one person trapped upstairs in the bedroom.”

"Our first appliance arrived within five minutes, quickly followed by a second and third appliance as well as Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service.”

"Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property in an attempt to rescue the occupier and extinguish the fire.”

"The elderly occupant was brought outside and the crews immediately attempted first aid and resuscitation.”

"At this stage we do not believe the fire was started suspiciously however our fire investigators have returned to the scene this morning, along with Merseyside Police colleagues, so they can carry out further investigation. We will comment on the cause of the fire over the coming days.”

"At this moment in time, our thoughts go out to the family members. I would also like to stress the importance of having working smoke alarms."

Our deepest condolences to family and friends of the deceased especially at this time of year.