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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
James Morris

Michelle Pearson: Mother dies 20 months after petrol bomb attack on Greater Manchester home which killed her four children

A file image of the funeral of Demi, Brandon, Lacie and Lia Pearson in September last year. Their mother, Michelle Pearson, has died 20 months after the arson attack (Picture: Peter Byrne/PA)

The mother of four children who were killed in an arson attack in Greater Manchester has died, her family has said.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Michelle Pearson's mother Sandra Lever confirmed her daughter has died 20 months after the attack in Walkden.

She wrote: “Sadly last night, After a hard 20 months of fighting. Our beautiful Michelle gained her wings and went to join her babies.”

Ms Pearson was severely injured after her home was petrol bombed in December 2017. Her children Demi, 15, Brandon, eight, Lacie, seven, and Lia, three, died.

Brandon, Lacie and Lia Pearson (Greater Manchester Police/PA)

In a statement, Det Supt Lewis Hughes, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "As the senior investigating officer into the fire, I know first-hand how devastating the death of her four children was for Michelle and the news of her passing is incredibly tragic.

Demi Pearson (Greater Manchester Police/PA)

"I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Michelle's loved ones at this terrible time. We will ensure that they receive any support they need from the investigation team as they come to terms with their loss."

Because of the extent of her injuries, Ms Pearson was unable to attend her children's funeral in September last year.

But in a heartbreaking message that was read out on her behalf, she said: "They were the twinkle in my eye, now they are angels in the sky. One day we will be united forever."

Zak Bolland, 23, and David Worrall, 26, were convicted of murder last year. Bolland was jailed for a minimum of 40 years and Worrall for 37 years.

A jury heard Bolland was high on drink and drugs when he launched the attack, which was motivated by a petty feud with the victims' 17-year-old brother Kyle Pearson.

Courtney Brierley, 20, was also convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 21 years.

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