TEARS were shed today as those close to blaze victim Arron Reynolds tried to come to terms with the youngster's tragic death.

The three-year-old died when he was trapped in a fire in his bedroom at Lime Tree Grove at the junction of Hollin Way, Constablelee, in Rawtenstall.

His mum Sally Reynolds and her partner Graham Gardiner were taken to Bury General Hospital where they were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and shock.

Investigations into the cause of the blaze were ongoing today and police were still trying to contact the child's natural father.

Graham's father Frank, of Liverpool, broke down in tears as he spoke of the loss.

The 69-year-old said: "I can't believe it's true. Arron was a marvellous boy, always playing around and joking. He loved everything. He liked his trains and his videos and was just such a nice child."

Frank added his son, who moved into the house six years ago, did everything he could to save Arron but was beat back by the intense flames.

He said: "My son can't believe it. He tried everything to help, but it was hopeless."

Detective Inspector Tony Bolton said the incident was being treated as a "tragic accident" and is under investigation.

He added: "It was one of the most horrific things I have seen in years. It must have been horrendous for the little chap, it was just awful." Staff at the nursery where Arron attended talked of the child who loved Thomas the Tank Engine.

Jackie Whitehead, deputy officer at the Flying Start nursery on Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, spoke of the staff's shock when news of the death was broken to them.

She said: "Arron was three in January, started coming to us in April and attended three sessions a week.

"He was a quiet but lovely little boy. He adored Thomas the Tank Engine and used to talk for hours about Thomas and all his friends. He always had his own Thomas the Tank with him.

"Nursery was a new environment for Arron but he was coming on really well in all areas of his development."

The small nursery has 21 pupils and Jackie described it is as a family-orientated community where children and staff had close relationships.

She said the nursery staff were shocked at the news of the fire and would like to attend the funeral if the family was willing.

Jackie said: "I can't think of anything more horrendous for any parent. You can't imagine what they are going through.

"They are in the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the nursery. We haven't thought how we are going to tell the other youngsters." She said the nursery proprietor was currently on holiday but she was going to try to contact her to tell her the sad news. She added: "We have to keep our chin up for the sake of the other children in the nursery."

Neighbour Lana Durkin said she saw flames billowing out of the window and alerted emergency services

She said: "I called a neighbour first because he knows how to get into the house better than I do and went over there. We tried to get their attention then I ran back to call the police and

the fire brigade."

Fire chiefs today confirmed the blaze started around a computer in the bedroom.

Fire Service divisional officer Stuart Tracey said: "There was a computer in the bedroom where the fire started and we believe the outbreak started around it. But we don't think the computer was responsible.

"We are not ruling out anything out at present. Our investigations are still continuing and we will put our findings to the coroner."

It is understood nobody has yet returned to the house, where today three bouquets had been left on the lawn near to tragic Arron's window and his mother and her partner are still in hospital.

Wild flowers had been left by local youngsters at the garden gate.