Overview
- A petrol‑bomb attack on Jackson Street, Walkden, on December 11, 2017, killed four children — Demi, Brandon, Lacie and Lia — and seriously burned their mother Michelle Pearson.
- Michelle Pearson survived the initial blaze but died about 21 months later from complications of severe burns, and family statements read at the inquest said she died clutching a photograph of her children.
- Two men, Zak Bolland and David Worrall, were convicted and jailed for the murders of the children in 2018 and later for Michelle Pearson’s murder in 2021, while Courtney Brierley was jailed for manslaughter for her role.
- The inquest, opened by Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand on October 5, 2026, is expected to run up to eight weeks and will examine pre‑attack reports of threats, vandalism and repeated requests by Ms Pearson for rehousing.
- Hearings will scrutinise how Greater Manchester Police, Salford Council and housing services handled reports of escalating attacks and threats, with the family seeking answers about missed opportunities and what changes could prevent similar tragedies.