Funeral for arson death toddler

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The funeral of a three-year-old girl who died in a suspected arson attack has taken place in Liverpool.

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

She was buried after a private service and communion at St Michaels Church in West Derby Road, Kensington.

Murder detectives are to appeal for information from football fans at the Merseyside derby on Monday night.

Francesca was taken to the church in a pink and white carriage driven by white horses with a headdress of pink feathers.

Joy and laughter

Women mourners, including her mother Eleanor Skelhorne, 36, wore pink blouses and Francesca's father, Kieron Bimpson, also 36, wore a pink tie along with the other men in the congregation.

Mr Bimpson carried the pink coffin into the church with his son, also Kieron, 14, as I Closed My Eyes from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was played.

Father Arthur Fitzgerald, who led the service, spoke of Francesca's cheerful nature, love of music and the "joy and laughter which she gave to others during her short life".

Francesca's father and brother escaped from their burning home

Afterwards, her coffin was taken out to the hymn Do Not Be Afraid and she was buried at a cemetery nearby.

Francesca's parents, two sisters and brother were also in the house at the time of the attack. Her father broke both ankles jumping from a first floor window.

Her sisters Anne-Marie, 17 months, Christina, eight, and 14-year-old brother Kieron were treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.

Two men, aged 43 and 45, were bailed after being arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Detectives will make an appeal over the public address system at Anfield on Monday night ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and Liverpool.

Det Supt Dave Kelly said: "On Monday a near-capacity crowd is expected to turn up to the match and we will be using this opportunity to appeal for people to come forward with information which could lead to the arrest of those responsible.

"We will be making appeals before the match and during half-time in the hope that someone in the crowd may have some information which could help us with our inquiry."

A spokesperson for Liverpool Football Club said: "Everyone in the city has been saddened at this unnecessary loss of a young life.

"We would appeal on behalf of both clubs for anyone who has any information, however small it may seem, to contact Merseyside Police."