Gran and teenagers found dead in beds

Initial inquiries into the triple tragedy indicate that the three victims suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.

Police are concentrating their investigations on a gas water heater in the kitchen. The hot water tap had been left running and the boiler was on when officers arrived at the house.

The bodies of 75-year-old Emma Nelson and the two children, 15-year-old Rebecca Marshall and Michael Wright, who would have been 14 next Monday, were found at her home in Berry Street in the Healey Wood area of Burnley.

Police broke into the house through the front door after the family raised the alarm.

The children, who were cousins, were keeping their grandmother company over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Rebecca, who was keen on horses, country and western music and especially line-dancing, was the daughter of Sylvia and Billy Marshall, of Healeywood Road, Burnley. She attended Towneley High School.

Michael, of Allerton Drive, Burnley, was the son of Hazel and Steven Wright. He was a pupil at Gawthorpe High School, Padiham. Both children regularly spent nights with their grandmother.

A police spokesman said the cause of the deaths was believed to be carbon monoxide poisoning and there were no suspicious circumstances. A criminal investigation is being carried out to see whether there was any neglect over the installation of gas appliances in the house. They were found at about 10.30pmlast night after other members of the family were unable to contact them.

British Gas, the Health and Safety Executive and forensic scientists are helping police with their investigation.

Police said the kitchen water heater appeared to have either been fitted or maintained around a month ago. They would not comment on who had carried out the work. A number of people were due to be interviewed by the police today.

Post mortem examinations were being carried out today and East Lancashire coroner David Smith has been informed.

Det Insp Colin Barton said: "Our initial inquiries lead us to suspect that they died from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a terrible tragedy.

"It is looking as though they had been in bed from Saturday night.''

Residents in the close-knit community have been shocked by the news. One neighbour said: "It is enormously sad. Emma was a very nice lady and a good friend. We are all terribly shocked."

Close neighbour Brian Appleby said: "Emma's husband Frank died about two years ago but Emma was seldom alone. Her daughter lives nearby and either she or her husband visited her each day. "He would take her to the shops and to bingo.

"They are a large family and her grandchildren would also often visit her to keep her company.''

The fire service was called because it was thought there was a fire in the kitchen.

Sub Officer Peter Latham said: "The kitchen door was hot but there was no fire. Our only involvement was to take the door from its hinges."

Rebecca's classmates were today being offered counselling.

Head teacher David Hinks said: "Form tutors told every member of her year group although most of them already knew because they were Rebecca's friends.

"We have put on two youth and community workers to counsel those who were obviously distressed by what has happened.'

"Rebecca joined Towneley from Rosehill Junior School in 1993.

Mr Hinks described her as a popular member of the year group who took part in form and inter form activities.

She was due to receive her assistant prefect's badge.

Mr Hinks added: "It has come as a terrible shock to the year and to the school.''

Counselling has also been made available for Michael's friends at Gawthorpe High School.

Deputy head Len Thomas, said: "Obviously the school is saddened by the news, our fifth tragedy in only four years. His friends are absolutely gutted. Michael enjoyed a full life in the school. He joined in and he was a popular lad, quiet with a lovely sense of humour.''

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