POLICE were today seeking vital clues about the death of teenager Melissa Strickson after the friend found lying unconcious next to her body came round in hospital.

Annalise Stockley, 14, from the Sudell area of Darwen, will be spoken to by officers today after regaining conciousness in the intensive care unit at Pendlebury Children's Hospital, Manchester.

Melissa, 13, of Tithebarn Street, Darwen, died on Wednesday after it is believed she took the strong painkiller Cocodamol -- a mixture of codeine and paracetamol. Annalise was said to be in a critical condition at that time and was transferred to the intensive care unit. It is believed she also took tablets.

The two teenagers were found at a house on Suddell Road, Darwen, with Melissa's sister Vicky and Jenny Bradshaw, both 11, who were unharmed.

All four girls had been reported missing from home on Monday.

A couple who live in the bottom flat of the house -- a man and woman in their 30s -- are being interviewed by police but have not been charged with any offence.

Neighbours of the flat said they had often seen children at the flat where the girls were found and that the couple had lived at the address for around eight months.

Melissa's sister Vicky explained that they had hidden from their parents and police who had come searching for them at the house the night before the tragedy.