Girl’s dress on fire in playtime horror

Aug 26 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl was in a critical condition in hospital last night after being engulfed in flames while playing with friends.

The youngster suffered horrific burns to the lower part of her body after her dress caught fire on Sunday afternoon.

She was rushed to Newcastle General Hospital by ambulance after her parents frantically doused the flames.

Northumbria Police last night said they were investigating the incident and that feelings were running high in the Southwick area of Sunderland where it happened.

A spokesman said it was unlikely there would be any arrests in connection with the investigation, but that it was not yet clear what caused the dress to catch fire.

Emergency services were called to Beechwood Crescent, Southwick, at around 3pm on Sunday to treat the girl, who was named locally as Cody Rochester.

She was playing with friends at the time in a back garden of one of the houses.

The police spokesman said it was likely the girl would need a lengthy stay in hospital. He said: “A seven-year-old girl was playing in the garden with some neighbours’ children and her dress just burst into flames.

“There is nothing to indicate what caused the fire at this time and there will be some inquiries.

“She has bad burns to the lower part of her body.

“She is in hospital and is expected to be in there for a while.”

The girl’s parents have been at her bedside since the incident. Last night her mother was too upset to talk to reporters, adding: “My mind is elsewhere right now.”

A spokeswoman from Newcastle General Hospital confirmed that the young girl had been admitted to hospital and was receiving treatment from burns specialists.

She said: “Her condition is critical but stable.” It is not thought her injuries are life threatening. Police last night said the atmosphere in the surrounding area was volatile.

A nearby neighbour, who did not want be named, said the accident had shocked the close-knit community of Southwick.

She said: “I can’t believe that has happened. I know the family and they are really lovely. No one deserves that.

“She’s a really sweet little girl and always smiling. I saw the ambulance and could hear some shouting, but I don’t know who it was. I really hope she is OK.”

The police spokesman said: “While police are investigating the cause of the fire, it’s not anticipated that any arrests will be made.

“Her parents are with her in Newcastle General Hospital.”