AN inquiry into the fire which claimed the life of Aaron Reynolds could take several weeks.

The investigation into the blaze at three-year-old Aaron's home in Hollin Way, Rawtenstall, is continuing but, so far, the cause has not been identified.

Investigating officer Assistant Divisional Officer Barry Graham, based in Blackburn, spoke to Aaron's mum, Sally Reynolds and her partner Graham Gardiner, in Bury General Hospital yesterday.

He said the couple were, obviously, still in a distressed condition.

Mr Graham said: "They were able to provide me with some information, but mainly confirmation of some of the things we suspected anyway. We are no closer yet to tying down the exact cause of the fire."

The couple are to be formally interviewed by police next week, although it is stressed there are no suspicious circumstances. T

he incident is being investigated as a tragic accident, although the exact cause remains a mystery at this stage.

Mr Graham said he was aware of reports that the fire may have been caused by a computer in the boy's bedroom, but added: "That is most, most unlikely.

"At this stage we cannot rule anything out and it could be several weeks yet before the investigation is completed.

"We need to get as close to the truth as we can for the benefit of the family and to get messages out to other people."

Sally and Graham were released from hospital yesterday and are now being comforted by family in the Merseyside area.

Both were overcome by smoke and had been receiving treatment for shock.

The fire happened at 9pm on Tuesday. Aaron died trapped in his bedroom.

Fire officers have said there were smoke detectors on the ground floor of the detached house but that at least one was not fitted with a working battery.

Shocked neighbours have left bunches of flowers at the house in memory of Aaron.