SHE DIED CLUTCHING A PHOTO OF HER FOUR CHILDREN — A MOTHER’S FINAL HEARTBREAK AFTER THE WALKDEN FIREBOMB ATT@CK

Michelle Pearson survived the blaze that took the lives of four of her children. Nearly two years later, she died in hospital with their photograph in her hand. Now, a long-awaited inquest is examining whether the tragedy could have been prevented.

Michelle Pearson was a mother of six whose life was changed forever by a devastating fire at her family home in Walkden, Salford, in December 2017.

Four of her children — Demi, Brandon, Lacie and Lia — died after petrol bombs were thrown into the house while the family was inside.

Michelle survived the attack, but suffered burns across 68% of her body. She spent the following months fighting for her life before passing away on August 25, 2019, aged just 37.

Now, nearly nine years after the attack, an inquest is examining the events leading up to the fire and whether authorities missed opportunities to protect the family.

A PHOTOGRAPH SHE HELD CLOSE

At Bolton Coroner’s Court, Michelle’s family shared a deeply moving account of her final moments.

As she lay in hospital, her loved ones placed a photograph of her four children in her hand and wrapped a crucifix around it.

The family described her final battle as a “lengthy and courageous” fight.

In a statement read to the court, they said: “We know she’s back with her children and out of pain.”

Those words captured the lasting grief of a family who had lost four young children in the blaze, then endured the further heartbreak of losing their mother less than two years later.

FOUR CHILDREN WHOSE LIVES WERE CUT SHORT

Demi Pearson, 15, was remembered as a happy, smiling teenager who was especially close to her mother.

Brandon, eight, was known for his infectious smile and his love for his family. Lacie, seven, was described as a little performer who loved to dance, while Lia, just three, was remembered for her cheeky laugh and bright personality.

Their family said all four children had bright futures ahead of them.

The loss of the children and their mother left relatives facing a tragedy that continues to affect them years later.

THE WARNINGS BEFORE THE FIRE

Evidence heard during the inquest has revisited the escalating dispute that preceded the attack.

Michelle had reported incidents involving her home, including smashed windows, a bin being set alight and threatening graffiti. Her family told the court that she had been desperate to move because she feared for her children’s safety.

Her mother, Sandra Lever, said Michelle was deeply distressed and that the children were frightened to remain in the house.

The inquest is examining how police, housing services, children’s services and other agencies responded to the warnings, and whether different decisions could have reduced the risk to the family.

Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand has stressed that the inquest is not a criminal trial. Its purpose is to establish the relevant circumstances and consider whether there were preventable failures.

THE MEN CONVICTED OVER THE ATTACK

Zak Bolland and David Worrall were convicted over the attack and received life sentences, with minimum terms of 40 and 37 years respectively. Courtney Brierley was also imprisoned for her role in the events.

Following Michelle’s death, further murder convictions were secured in connection with the case.

The current inquest is focused on a different question: whether the family’s repeated concerns were adequately addressed before the fire.

Relatives believe the deaths might have been preventable and want the proceedings to provide answers about the decisions made by the agencies involved.

A FAMILY STILL SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

For Michelle’s surviving children and wider family, the inquest is an opportunity to have their concerns heard and to understand how a series of warnings preceded such devastating consequences.

The hearing is expected to examine the actions of public agencies and the circumstances surrounding the fire and its aftermath.

Michelle’s final moments, with a photograph of her children in her hand, remain an especially painful part of the family’s story.

Their hope is that a full examination of what happened will bring answers — and help prevent another family from experiencing a similar tragedy.