A MOTHER and her teenage son died in a double fire tragedy at their home in Burnley early today.

Neighbours said Joyce Haythornthwaite, 36, and her son Lee were trapped when fire gutted their home. Joyce's partner, Ian Winchester, suffered severe injuries when he jumped from a first floor window.

He is in hospital receiving treatment for cuts, bruises, smoke inhalation and shock.

It is thought the family had been celebrating Lee's nineteenth birthday.

Investigations have begun into what caused the blaze at the mid-terraced house in Briercliffe Road, Duke Bar.

But the incident is not thought to be suspicious and investigations are centred on the kitchen area of the house.

Firecrews arrived shortly after 1.30am to find the house engulfed in flames.

At first it was feared that two other youngsters may be in the house but they were found staying elsewhere overnight.

Neighbours said 11-year-old Wesley spent the night at a friend's house nearby and his sister Kirsty, 13, was baby-sitting in the Harle Syke area. Station Officer Paul Harvey said: "Unfortunately a man was found dead downstairs and a woman's body was found upstairs.

"It was a difficult incident. Searching continued throughout the building but fortunately there was no-one else inside.''

Neighbours were evacuated as smoke spread into their homes.

Next-door neighbour Michael Sayner said: "My wife woke me up and said she could hear glass breaking.

"I got up and could smell smoke. I looked outside and the whole of next door's kitchen was in flames.

"I got my wife out of the house and when I went round the front I saw Ian on the ground being attended by firemen.

"The house was well alight and there was nothing anyone could do.

"It is a tragedy. Everyone is so sad. They were a nice quiet pleasant family.''

Local newsagent Colin Dawber said: "Ian always calls in for a paper on his way to work at George Wilkinson's. He is a quiet, sensible sort of man.

"The younger children would also call into the shop but we didn't see much of Lee.''

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