A 13-year-old schoolgirl killed in a devastating house fire had only just moved back home after a separate inferno months earlier forced her family to flee for their lives.
Layla Allen died after the blaze ripped through her home on Merseyside shortly before midnight on Wednesday.
Her heartbroken family has today paid tribute to the ‘cherished’ teen, sharing a picture of her in her school uniform as they described Layla as ‘a shining light’ with a ‘heart full of love’.
Five other children, a woman and a man escaped unharmed from the gutted mid-terraced property in Kingsway, Prescot.
The house was the family home of Layla – who is pictured for the first time today – and her mother Shell McGarry, who is thought to be the woman who escaped.
In a tragic twist of fate, the fatal fire was the second blaze to ravage the property in less than a year, it can today be revealed.
Shell had previously posted photographs of the damage to the Kingsway house last July after it caught fire, when she appealed for people to contribute to a GoFundMe page set up to help the family in its aftermath.
The pictures showed the aftermath of the blaze which left rooms scorched and blackened.
Tributes have today been paid to Layla Allen who was killed in a fatal house fire on Wednesday
Layla, (pictured), 13, died in the blaze at her home on Merseyside in which five other children, a woman and a man escaped unharmed
A local said: ‘They had to move out after the fire last year. The mum said they needed to have a lot of work done and safety improvements made. I think they only moved back in last November.’
In a tribute released today, the youngster’s family said: ‘Layla was a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew her.
‘She was funny, charismatic, and so quick-witted—always ready with a joke or a clever remark that brought smiles to those around her. With an infectious energy and a heart full of love, she had a way of making every moment brighter.
‘She was a true friend to so many, always bringing laughter and warmth wherever she went. She had a passion for TikTok, makeup, and drawing—expressing her creativity in ways that made her uniquely Layla.
‘Layla was a typical, happy, and full-of-life 13-year-old, filled with dreams, laughter and love. She was cherished beyond words by her mum, dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents who adored her deeply.
‘She touched the hearts of everyone she met and left a lasting impact on so many.’
Firefighters were scrambled to the latest inferno shortly before midnight on Wednesday after reports a fire had broken out in the first floor rear bedroom of the property.
Neighbours later told how they woke up to screams and heard a man shouting ‘jump, I’ll get you outside the window’ as flames took hold of the home.
Floral tributes to Layla have now been left outside the family’s home, as the community continues to come to terms with the tragedy.
Pictured are some of the floral tributes left in the street where the fatal fire took place
Mourners left cards with touching tributes to the 13-year-old schoolgirl
One said: ‘I will forever miss you Layla, fly high my beautiful friend. Love you forever. Thank you for being you.’
Online posts also paid tribute to the ‘gorgeous’ schoolgirl.
One local said this today: ‘Layla was a lovely girl. I feel so sorry for her family – it’s all so very sad. Her mum was brilliant – always thinking of her kids and making sure they had what they wanted.’
Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the fatal blaze.
On Friday, grieving friends of the beloved teenager were seen laying floral tributes, teddy bears, dolls, and Disney characters in tribute.
Layla’s family today added: ‘We thank everyone for their kind words and flowers. As a family we ask for everyone to respect our privacy and leave us to grieve at this truly sad time.’
Detective Inspector Steven O’Neill said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family of the young girl at this very sad time. A joint investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and the girl’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.’
Teddies and cuddly toys were also left by heartbroken mourners following the tragedy
Police officers have today been guarding a cordon outside the house which, according to one local, had recently been renovated.
A spokesperson said: ‘MFRS Fire Control received a 999 call at 11.42pm last night, Wednesday 2 April, with three fire engines on scene shortly after.
‘On arrival, firefighters found one mid-terraced house with a fire located in the first-floor rear bedroom.
‘Four firefighters were committed in breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire and search for occupants.
‘A man, woman and five children were able to escape from the property unharmed.
‘Sadly, a 13-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.
‘The fire was extinguished at 00.29am this morning, Thursday 3 April, with natural ventilation taking place, and utilities to the premises were isolated.
‘Neighbouring properties were checked for fire and smoke spread. The property of origin was checked for further hotspots as fire crews monitored temperatures to the first floor, roof space, and externally.’