Two men deny fatal arson attack

Eight-year-old Lily Almond died in hospital

Two men have appeared in a Bristol court accused of starting a fatal fire in which two young girls died.

Aaron White and Gary Elsey set fire to Lauren Almond's flat in Somerset because they were angry about an earlier argument, Bristol Crown Court heard.

The woman's daughter, eight-year-old Lily Almond, her half-sister, Laura, aged 14, and a third person, Jamie Pursey, 25, all died after the fire in Friarn Street, Bridgwater.

Mr White and Mr Elsey, who was Ms Almond's former lover, have each pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder.

CS gas

Earlier in the trial, the jury was told that Ms Almond had argued with both defendants about an hour before the blaze in February.

She admitted spraying CS gas into 23-year-old Mr White's face during the argument, because she believed he had broken into her flat earlier that night.

Neil Ford, QC, for the prosecution, said the fire which started near the door to the flat was retribution for what had happened earlier, and had been left to run its course.

At the time of the blaze Ms Almond was not in the flat. Three men who were also sleeping there survived.

The trial continues.