A third person has been charged with murder after a house fire left four children dead.

Demi Pearson, 14, her eight-year-old brother Brandon and seven-year-old sister Lacie died in the blaze in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on Monday.

Officers said a fourth child, believed to be three-year-old Lia Pearson, died on Wednesday.

David Worrall, 25, of Worsley Avenue, Worsley, has been charged with four counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life, Greater Manchester Police said.

He appeared before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning. Worrall made no comment from the dock other than to confirm his details and to state he is of “no fixed abode.” District Judge Qureshi ordered that he be remanded in custody and adjourned the case, which will be heard before a judge at Manchester Crown Court on Friday morning. 

Zac Bolland, 23, of Blackleach Drive, Walkden, and Courtney Brierley, 20, of Worsley Avenue, Walkden, have also been charged with murder and are due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday.

Bolland and Brierley are also charged with four counts of attempted murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

The children’s mother, Michelle Pearson, 35, is in a coma fighting for her life and is unaware four of her children are dead.

Emergency services were called to the family’s mid-terraced home in Jackson Street, Walkden, shortly after 5am on Monday.

Two 16-year-old boys were also in the house when the blaze broke out but managed to escape before fire crews arrived.