Harrop Fold and Bridgewater Primary School heads speak about their devastation at the death of pupils in Walkden house fire

Demi Pearson, aged 14, eight-year-old Brandon Pearson and seven-year-old Lacie Pearson died after fire broke out in Jackson Street, Walkden in the early hours of Monday.

Two are fighting for their lives in hospital.

Drew Povey, head of Harrop Fold School in Little Hulton, which Demi attended, said: "We are all truly devastated by the loss of precious life that our community has recently suffered. Words seem inadequate in these tragic circumstances.

“In these darkest of times, we unite and support our students and their families."

Mr Povey, who became known nationally after his school appeared on Channel 4's television programme Educating Greater Manchester, added: "Team Harrop mourns alongside the relatives and friends of those whose lives were needlessly and mercilessly taken from them.

"The spirit of Salford cannot and will not be crushed. We will work together to comfort and rebuild those lives that have been forever changed."

The younger children attended Bridgewater Primary School.

Emma Henderson, headteacher said: "Our school is very much part of this special community and understands the intense pain experienced at this senseless loss of precious life. We are consoling our pupils and their families and send our deepest sympathies and prayers to all those affected.”

Two people have been charged with murder in connection with the house fire