A man and a woman, both aged in their 20s, have died following a fire while two children are in hospital.
Officers were called to Peter Street in Blackpool at around 2.39am to reports of a fire with people inside a property.
The woman was found dead at the scene and the man was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he later died. The force said the two children remain in hospital, with one in “a very poorly condition.”
Lancashire Police said they are working with the fire service to establish the cause and were “keeping an open mind.” No arrests have been made.
Emergency services were called to Peter Street in Blackpool
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Ch Supt Mike Gladwin, West Divisional Commander, said: “This incident has resulted in two people losing their lives and my thoughts are with their loved ones at this extremely distressing time. I know this tragic news will be met with great sadness in the local community and people will want instant answers.
“However, there are grieving loved ones still trying to come to terms with this devastating news. With that in mind, I would ask for patience and that people avoid unhelpful and upsetting speculation.”
A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, told Blackpool Gazette: “I woke up because I could hear screaming and a big bang but I didn’t know what was going on at first.
“A neighbour smashed a window to get one of the children out of the house. It’s awful.”
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Lancashire Police confirmed the man and woman who died lived inside the property.
Speaking at a press conference at the scene of the fatal blaze on Peter Street, Chief Supt Mike Gladwin, West Divisional Commander for Lancashire Police said the two victims were the parents of the injured children.
Supt Gladwin told reporters: “We understand they lived in the property and are the parents and their children. We have evacuated a small number of properties while we conduct our investigations.”
Pictures from the scene show the blaze gutted the property, leaving significant smoke damage and exposed brick inside. Crews remained at the scene after the fire was extinguished and the road was cordoned off by the police between Victory Road and Selbourne Road.
Detectives from Lancashire Police said anyone who saw or captured anything suspicious on their CCTV, doorbell or dashcam can call 101, quoting log 97 of July 17.
