Accident theory over blaze that killed toddler

Libby-Jayne Hornsby died after being rescued from the bedroom window of her home in Conisborough, near Doncaster, on Thursday night.

Police and fire and rescue services have launched a joint investigation into the blaze at the property in Don Street.

Officers have revealed the toddler and her six-year-old brother were in the care of a 15-year-old male babysitter at the time and a 10-year-old boy was also at the property.

A spokeswoman said: “Early indications show the fire, which took hold of the bedding in the main bedroom, may have been started accidentally. A coroner’s inquest is due to be opened next week and it is anticipated that this inquiry may last several months.”

In a statement issued over the weekend, Libby-Jayne’s mother, Kelly Hambrey, said her daughter was “always smiling and happy, she was loved by all her family”.

The girl’s father, Neil Hornsby, said: “She was always full of life and fun.”