A 13-year-old girl killed in a house fire has been remembered by her family for her ‘infectious energy’.
Layla Allen, 13, died at the home in Kingsway, Prescot, Merseyside, at 11.42pm on Wednesday, in which five other children and two adults managed to escape.
Her family said in a tribute: ‘Layla was a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew her. She was funny, charismatic, and so quick-witted—always ready with a joke or a clever remark that brought smiles to those around her. With an infectious energy and a heart full of love, she had a way of making every moment brighter.
‘She was a true friend to so many, always bringing laughter and warmth wherever she went. She had a passion for TikTok, makeup, and drawing—expressing her creativity in ways that made her uniquely Layla.
‘Layla was a typical, happy, and full-of-life 13-year-old, filled with dreams, laughter and love. She was cherished beyond words by her mum, dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents who adored her deeply. She touched the hearts of everyone she met and left a lasting impact on so many.
‘We thank everyone for their kind words and flowers. As a family we ask for everyone to respect our privacy and leave us to grieve at this truly sad time.’
Neighbours told the Liverpool ECHO how they heard a man scream ‘jump, I’ll get you outside the window’ as ‘huge flames’ engulfed the property.
Floral tributes, messages, teddies, dolls and Disney characters have been laid down at the scene, to Layla.
One of the tributes reads: ‘I will forever miss you Layla, fly high my beautiful friend. Love you forever. Thank you for being you.’
A neighbour near the home which is believed to have been recently renovated said: ‘I never expected the little girl to die. My granddaughter was friends with her, she used to play with the kids outside the house. She’s heartbroken.
‘There was a man shouting, “jump, I’ll get you” outside the window.’
Other neighbours described how they called 999 after seeing the home go up in flames.
A joint investigation between Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue has been launched to identify the cause of the fire.
Detective Inspector Steven O’Neill said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family of the young girl at this very sad time. A joint investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and the girl’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.’
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: ‘MFRS Fire Control received a 999 call at 11.42pm last night, Wednesday 2 April, with three fire engines on scene shortly after.
‘On arrival, firefighters found one mid-terraced house with a fire located in the first-floor rear bedroom.
‘Four firefighters were committed in breathing apparatus (BA) to extinguish the fire and search for occupants.
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‘A man, woman and five children were able to escape from the property unharmed.
‘Sadly, a 13-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.
‘The fire was extinguished at 00.29am this morning, with natural ventilation taking place, and utilities to the premises were isolated.
‘Neighbouring properties were checked for fire and smoke spread. The property of origin was checked for further hotspots as fire crews monitored temperatures to the first floor, roof space, and externally.’
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