Three people appear in court charged with murder of four children in Salford house fire
A provisional trial date's been set for April 2018.
Last updated 15th Dec 2017
A provisional trial date's been set for three people accused of murdering four children in a house fire in Salford.
23-year old Zak Bolland, 20-year old Courtney Brierley and 25-year old David Worrall appeared at Manchester Crown Court earlier.
They're accused of the murders of 15-year old Demi Pearson, eight-year old Brandon Pearson, seven-year old Lacie Pearson and three-year old Lia Pearson.
Our reporter Amy Scarisbrick has been following the case:
All three appeared together in the dock flanked by security guards - they spoke only to confirm their name, age and nationalities in the hearing that lasted 15 minutes.
They're all accused of four counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and causing arson with intent to endanger life.
A 35-year old woman is fighting for her life in hospital. Two 16-year old boys escaped the fire without injury.
They didn't enter pleas today and all three have been remanded in custody - they'll next appear at Manchester Crown Court in March 2018.
A provisional trial date has been set for April 2018.