Mother of four children killed in arson attack unable to attend their funeral

The mother of four siblings who were killed when their home was petrol bombed will be unable to attend their joint funeral because of "unforseen medical circumstances".

15 year old Demi Pearson, eight year old Brandon, seven year old Lacie, and three-year-old Lia will be remembered in a joint funeral at St Paul’s Church in Walkden on Friday, September 14.

Their mother Michelle Pearson suffered horrific burns in the arson attack - but had been planning to leave hospital for the service.

Friends and supporters of the family say they are heartbroken for Michelle, who has been in hospital since the arson attack on her home last December.

She was left in a coma after two lit petrol bombs were tossed inside her family home on Jackson Street, Walkden, and spent months fighting for her life before being given the news that her children had died.

Members of the public have been invited to line the procession route to pay their respects.

A relative said "The public is welcome to walk behind the horse and carriages up to the service. They are also welcome to the service and can line the streets in a mark of respect, however the burial and wake are private.

Three people have been jailed over the Pearson siblings' deaths.

Zak Bolland was found guilty of four counts of murder.

David Worrall was also convicted of murdering the four children.

Courtney Brierley was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter.