A man and a woman who died after a fire ripped through a house in Blackpool have been named as their 20-month old child remains in hospital.

Police were called to a fire at a house on Peter Street, Blackpool, at 2.39am on Wednesday, July 17.

After a "significant emergency response" involving police and fire services, a woman in her 20s was found dead at the scene, with a man in his 20s later pronounced dead at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Lancashire Constabulary, which is investigating the incident, says it can now name the male victim as 28-year-old Joshua Pearson.

The woman victim has not yet been formally identified, but the force says it believes her to be 24-year-old Danielle Bamber.

‘Much-loved son’ will be ‘sorely missed’

In a tribute, Joshua’s family said: “Joshua was a much-loved son, that will be sorely missed, who adored his girlfriend and children.”

Danielle’s family said: “We as a family are devastated by what has happened to Danielle our daughter and her family.

“Please allow us respect as a family to grieve in peace and refrain from any further speculation on social media and to refrain from posting further pictures of Danielle and her family.

“Please respect our wishes at our time.”

According to police, the couple lived at the address along with their two children, aged six years and 20 months.

The six-year-old was taken to hospital after the fire but thankfully did not sustain any serious injuries.

The 20-month-old remains in hospital in a "poorly condition", police say.

The fire occurred on Peter Street, BlackpoolThe fire occurred on Peter Street, Blackpool (Image: SWNS)

Cause of fire uncertain

Now, emergency services are trying to establish the cause of the fire.

Lancashire Constabulary says it has found "no evidence" that the fire was started deliberately.

Chief Superintendent Mike Gladwin, Lancashire Constabulary’s West Divisional Commander, said: “My thoughts today are with those impacted by this tragic event.

“This is an absolutely heartbreaking incident which has resulted in two people losing their lives, and two young children losing their parents. One of those young people remains very poorly in hospital.

“Our work to try and understand exactly what has happened to cause this devastating fire is ongoing and when we are in a position to give further updates we will do so, but as I’m sure people will appreciate this may take some time.

“I know news of this incident will have deeply affected people in the local area and further afield and I would like to thank the community for their support and understanding.”

The force has asked for anyone with information to get in touch via 101 or its website, quoting log 97 of July 17, 2024.