Mother releases photo of daughter hospitalised by fire

21-month-old fire victim Renee Heap.

The mother of a toddler injured in a Heywood house fire has released a picture of her daughter in hospital.

The image shows 21-month-old Renee Heap attached to breathing tubes as a result of being involved in a fire at a house on Muriel Street, Heywood, just after 3am on Saturday 14 November.

Renee's mum Victoria Wood has asked for the picture to be released in the hope it will bring witnesses to the incident forward.

Two 16-year-old boys who had been babysitting the little girl managed to escape, but were injured as they fled.

One is suffering serious injuries to his arm and the other has injuries to his ankles and wrists.

Firefighters rescued Renee from the house.

She was taken to the Manchester Children's Hospital, where she spent days in a critical condition.

Detective Inspector Melani Linton, who is leading the investigation, said: "Renee's young life was hanging in the balance for days and her mum has been through an incredibly traumatic time thinking that she may lose her.

"While she is much better, Renee is still a very poorly little girl as this picture shows.

"If you saw something that night that might help our investigation or you know who is responsible, please contact me."

Renee's mother Victoria, said: "To be told someone has deliberately set fire to your house, that your baby had to rescued by firefighters and is critically ill is something no mother should ever have to experience and a feeling I cannot put into words.

"I would like to appeal to other mothers and ask they put themselves in my shoes.

"If you, or anyone else has any information about who is responsible please, please come forward and speak to the police."

Anyone with any information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.