A mother and father have died and their two children are in hospital after a horrific fire ripped through their Blackpool home early this morning.

Josh Pearson, 28, and Danielle Bamber, 24, were killed after a blaze broke out at their Peter Street residence around 2.40am today, MailOnline can reveal.

Ms Bamber died at the scene and her partner was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The couple’s two young children, ages six and one, were also rushed to hospital with police saying one of them is doing ‘very poorly’.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and no arrests have been made. Lancashire Police says the force is keeping an ‘open mind’ as it launched a joint investigation with the fire service.

Josh Pearson, 28, and Danielle Bamber, 24, (pictured together) were killed after a blaze broke out at their Peter Street residence around 2.40am today, MailOnline can reveal

The devastating inferno has gutted the couple’s home, which appears to have suffered significant smoke damage

Four fire engines on blue lights rushed to the blaze this morning where ‘screaming and a big bang’ was heard coming from the home.

One local, who did not wish to be named, told The Gazette a neighbour smashed through a window to save one of the children.  

They said: ‘I woke up because I could hear screaming and a big bang but I didn’t know what was going on at first.

‘A neighbour smashed a window to get one of the children out of the house. It’s awful.’

Photographs taken at the scene show how the devastating inferno has gutted the property, which appears to have suffered significant smoke damage.

A few neighbouring homes had to be evacuated. Police said some displaced people are being supported by Blackpool Council.

No arrests have been made and the road has been cordoned off between Victory Road and Selbourne Road. It is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day. 

The couple’s two young children, ages six and one, were also rushed to hospital with police saying one of them is doing ‘very poorly’. Pictured are firefighters at the scene today

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and no arrests have been made by Lancashire Police

No arrests have been made and the road has been cordoned off between Victory Road and Selbourne Road. It is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day

Chief Superintendent 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.

Speaking at a press conference at the scene, Ch Supt Gladwin said the dead were the parents of the injured children. 

He said: ‘We understand they lived in the property and are the parents and their children. We have evacuated a small number of properties while we conduct our investigations.’

He added: ‘However, there are grieving loved ones still trying to come to terms with this devastating news.

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

Ms Bamber died at the scene and Mr Pearson was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The couple is pictured with one of their children

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said ‘At 2.35am on Wednesday, July 17, four fire engines from Blackpool, South Shore, and Bispham fire stations attended a fire involving a domestic property on Peter Street in Blackpool. 

‘Crews used three hose reels, six breathing apparatus, and two positive pressure ventilation fans to fight the fire. Fire crews remain on the scene.’

Anyone who saw or captured anything suspicious on their CCTV, doorbell or dashcam in the Peter Street area in the early hours of Wednesday should call 101, or report it via Lancashire Constabulary’s website, quoting log 97 of July 17 2024.