Girl killed in house fire named in school tribute

A teenager who died in a house fire has been described as bringing "happiness to everyone she met" in a tribute from her high school.

Flowers, cuddly toys and balloons are among tributes left for 13-year-old Layla Allen, outside the home where the fire took place.

Layla, who was in Year Eight at Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy, was pronounced dead at the scene in Kingsway, Prescot, on Wednesday evening.

A man, woman and five children escaped unharmed, emergency services said.

In a letter uploaded onto the school's website, acting headteacher Mrs C P Mckenna, said: "This morning, we were notified that Layla Allen, a child in Year 8, died tragically last night in a house fire.

"Layla was a very special student who was full of spirit and brought happiness to all the people she met.

"She had a very big personality, and an even bigger heart - and her death will be felt deeply across the school."

She added that the school was in contact with Layla's family and would now look to "celebrate all the happiness Layla brought to the community".

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said they were called out to the incident in a rear bedroom of the property at around 23:40 BST on Wednesday,

A fire service spokesperson said four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched for people inside and found the teenage girl, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The fire was put out at 00:29 on Thursday, they added.

Detectives said a joint investigation into the cause of the fire had been launched, with officers working alongside Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

Det Insp Steven O'Neill said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the young girl at this very sad time.

"A joint investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and the girl's family is being supported by specially trained officers."

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