Understand
Police officer admits 'nothing' was done to protect Salford family before fatal petrol bomb attack
Overview
At an inquest into the deaths of a mother and her four children in a 2017 petrol bomb attack in Walkden, Salford, a police officer has admitted that 'nothing' was done to keep the family safe in the hours following a 999 call. PC Mike Grundy told Bolton Coroner's Court that he did not perceive a risk of fire despite threats made by Zak Bolland, who was later jailed for life alongside David Worrall.
Key points
- A police officer admitted at an inquest that 'nothing' was done to keep Michelle Pearson and her four children safe in the hours before a fatal arson attack.
- PC Mike Grundy told Bolton Coroner's Court that he did not think there was a 'risk of fire' at the property, despite previous threats from Zak Bolland to petrol bomb the house.
- Four children—Demi, Brandon, Lacie, and Lia—died in the arson attack on 11 December 2017, and their mother Michelle died from her injuries 20 months later in August 2019.
- Zak Bolland and David Worrall were previously convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders.
- The inquest is examining the contact Michelle had with police and social services in the weeks leading up to the fire.