A 13-year-old girl who died in a horror house fire has been pictured for the first time.
Layla Allen passed away after a blaze at a property in Kingsway, Prescot, on Wednesday.
The fire broke out at a property in Prescot, Merseyside[/caption]
A man, woman and five children were able to escape from the home near Liverpool.
Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus put the fire out and then searched for people inside.
They found the teenage girl who was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a tribute issued today, Layla’s family said: “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.”
It comes after it was reported that the schoolgirl had only just moved back to the home after a separate inferno.
Layla’s mum had posted photographs of the damage to the house last July on social media, according to MailOnline.
A local told the newspaper: “They had to move out after the fire last year.
“The mum said they needed to have a lot of work done and safety improvements made. I think they only moved back in last November.”
Bouquets of flowers, cards and teddy bears have been left outside the house.
One neighbour explained the confusion as the fire raged to the Liverpool Echo.
They said: “I live round the back of the house. Last night I saw blue lights going and just assumed it was the police, and then I saw the fire engine.
“I could just see the flames at the back of the house. I never expected the little girl to die.
“There was a man shouting, ‘jump, I’ll get you’ outside the window.”
Another person described how they woke up at around 11.43pm to “shouts and screams”.
They then saw “huge flames coming from the house at the back”.
Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was finally put out at 12.30pm.
A spokesperson for the force added: “The property of origin was checked for further hotspots as fire crews monitored temperatures to the first floor, roof space, and externally.
“Merseyside Police remained on scene to manage the cordon, and firefighters left the scene at 02.20am.”
A joint investigation involving the force and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is ongoing.
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.”