Two die and two children injured in house fire

A man and a woman have died and two children have been injured in a house fire in Blackpool.

The blaze broke out on Peter Street in the town shortly before 02:40 BST, Lancashire Police said.

A woman in her 20s died at the scene while a man in his 20s was pronounced dead at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Two children have been taken to hospital for treatment and one is in a "very poorly condition", the force added.

Detectives are working with the fire service to establish the cause of the blaze.

The force said it was keeping an "open mind" at this stage about how it started.

It added there had been no arrests.

A small number of homes have been evacuated, with several people being supported by Blackpool Council.

Ch Supt Mike Gladwin said: "This incident has resulted in two people losing their lives and my thoughts are with their loved ones at this extremely distressing time.

"I know this tragic news will be met with great sadness in the local community and people will want instant answers.

“However, there are grieving loved ones still trying to come to terms with this devastating news," he added.

"With that in mind, I would ask for patience and that people avoid unhelpful and upsetting speculation."