Overview
- Layla Allen died on April 2, 2024, after firefighters found her on the top bunk at her Prescot home, with a post‑mortem listing the effects of fire as the cause of death.
- Fire investigators said burn patterns indicated ignition on the top bunk and concluded it was more likely than not started by a live flame such as a lighter.
- Two disposable lighters were recovered in the house, which her parents said did not belong to them.
- Merseyside Police reported no evidence of involvement by anyone outside the home, but they could not interview other children in the house, limiting the investigation.
- The address had a previous bedroom fire about six months earlier linked to a lighter, and offers of SAFE fire‑safety education in November 2024 were declined, prompting the coroner to urge engagement with fire and social services.