Teenager denies murder or manslaughter over fire deaths

A teenager has pleaded not guilty to the murder or manslaughter of four siblings in a house fire in Lancashire.

Dyson Allen, 19, appeared at Preston Crown Court by videolink from the city's prison to face charges over the fatal Freckleton house fire.

During a brief hearing he entered not guilty pleas to all charges over the blaze which engulfed a bungalow in Freckleton, on January 7, last year.

Allen pleaded not guilty to the murder and manslaughter of each of the victims; Reece Smith, 19, four-year-old twins Holly and Ella Smith, and two-year-old Jordan Smith.

The four siblings were taken to hospital following the fire but died later from smoke inhalation.

Judge Anthony Russell QC, told the defendant: "The date of the trial will be June 4, unless something unexpected occurs.

"That will be the next hearing, you will be remanded in custody in the meantime."