Mother is only person to escape catastrophic fire at her birthday party which killed four of her children - including four-year-old twins

By LUCY BUCKLAND

Grief: Michelle Smith visits floral tributes left after four of her nine children died in a house fire yesterday

Her face raw with grief, this is the mother who escaped a devastating house blaze which broke out at her own birthday party, killing her four children yesterday, including four-year-old twins.
Michelle Smith returned to her home in Lytham Road, Freckleton, Lancashire, today to read floral tributes left following the catastrophic fire which broke out at 11.30pm last night as she celebrated her 36th birthday.

Tragedy: Four-year-old twins Holly and Ella lost their lives in the fire, neighbours said their brother Reece had tried to save them

Comforted by a friend who rested an arm on her shoulder, the devastation on Ms Smith's face was plain to see as she began to come to terms with the tragedy.
Friends and family had been in high spirits drinking and dancing both inside and outside the family home when the inferno began.
It is believed her 19-year-old son Reece Smith ran into the house to try and save his four-year-old twin sisters Holly and Ella and younger brother Jordan, two.
Tragically all four died in the blaze.

Chaotic scenes: Reece Smith (left) is believed to have run into the home to save his brother Jordan (right)

Investigation continues: Police confirmed there was a birthday party at the house, which remains sealed off today

Last night neighbours said Ms Smith was led screaming from the house after the news that four of her nine children had perished in a smoke logged bedroom.
Neighbours said they thought the family had recently paid for a loft conversion on the property.
Family friend Carolyn Milburn said Reece was the eldest child and Jordan the youngest of Ms Smith.
She said: 'It's knocked us all for six. They were all lovely, all of them.
'Lovely kids, well behaved, well brought-up, always happy. Michelle is a good mum. She loves her kids. I haven't spoken to her yet but her and her mother Christine are both in a state.'

Community in mourning: Tiny Ella, Jordan and Holly are believed to have only lived in the house for three months



Party: Police confirmed there was a gathering at the home which was attended by at least ten people

Tragic: Despite all four siblings being pulled from the home in Lytham Road, Freckleton, they were pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal Preston Hospital

Devastation: A neighbour said it was a sad day for Freckleton

source: dailymail