Appeal over toddler's arson death

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Parents' plea over baby death

The parents of a three-year-old killed in an arson attack in Liverpool have made an appeal to catch her killers.

Francesca Bimpson suffered severe burns and died in hospital three weeks after the attack on 2 December at the the house in Norwood Grove, Everton.

Her mother Eleanor Skelhorne, 36, said: "The place where she should have felt most safe was her bed but she is not here, she has been burnt alive."

Her father Kieron Bimpson, 36, broke both ankles jumping from the house.

Someone has burnt her alive and we don't know what for Eleanor Skelhorne

The toddler's siblings - 17-month-old Anne-Marie, Christina, aged eight and 14-year-old Keiron - were treated for smoke inhalation.

Ms Skelhorne, 36, suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation.

Petrol was poured through the letterbox of the house and a green petrol can was found outside.

Two men were bailed after being arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Ms Skelhorne said: "Someone has burnt her alive and we don't know what for.

"Francesca was gorgeous, the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.

"But this could have been all my kids. Anyone who has information must come forward.

"We're missing her so much, the kids are missing her, we're all missing her but we can't have her back.

Mr Bimpson, 36, said all the family were excited about Christmas which ended in "devastation".

"I really hope people out there come forward to help because this has torn us apart as a family.

A petrol can was found outside the family's home

"We need people to start talking because these aren't the actions of a normal person.

"They tried to kill us all in bed."

Detectives want to trace witnesses who saw anyone with a green canister or if anyone recently lost one.

Det Supt Dave Kelly, of Merseyside police, said: "At this moment in time we don't have a motive.

"There is no reason why we can see thus far that anyone would want to attack a house with four children inside.

"A three-year-old girl has been killed and this has caused untold devastation to the family."