Two parents have died and their two children are in hospital following a house fire in Blackpool on Wednesday morning.
Of the two children in hospital, one was said to be in a “very poorly condition” according to Lancashire Police.
The force said officers were called to the family home on Peter Street, in Blackpool, at 2.39am following reports of a fire with people feared to be inside the property.
There was a “significant emergency response” involving local police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
However, a woman in her 20s was found dead at the scene, and a man, also in his 20s, later died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
The local police and fire service have begun working to establish what caused the fire and have evacuated a “small number of properties” while they conduct their investigations.
So far there have been no arrests and officers appealed to the public to come forward with any relevant information.
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Chief Superintendent Mike Gladwin 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.”
He added: “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.”