Vikki Preston and Rhona Schofield, two inseparable best friends who had been close since their school days at Kersal High School in Salford, tragically lost their lives together in a devastating house fire. Nearly two decades have passed since this horrific incident occurred, and the perpetrator responsible for their deaths still remains unidentified. The arson attack took place in the early hours of May 10, 2005, at a terraced house located at 23 King Street in Higher Broughton. The arsonist entered the house while the girls were asleep, setting fire to foam-filled furniture in the front lounge and downstairs living room, resulting in temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees centigrade within minutes.
Despite the quick response of the fire service after a neighbour’s alert, both Rhona and Vikki, aged 19, tragically lost their lives at the scene of the fire. The girls had no chance of escape due to the intensity of the blaze and the toxic smoke that filled the house. The inquest following the incident highlighted the chaotic environment within the house that night, with arguments among residents before the girls were left alone. The devastating loss of Rhona and Vikki sent shockwaves through both of their families, leaving lasting emotional wounds that have yet to heal.
The families of the victims have been plagued by grief and the absence of justice for their daughters. Vikki’s mother, Jacqueline, has spoken out about the ongoing pain and difficulty she faces daily, unable to find closure without the culprit being brought to justice. Similarly, Rhona’s parents, Peter and Doreen, have also endured immense suffering, with Peter’s passing in 2013 and Doreen’s in 2019 further compounding the tragedy for their family. The emotional toll of the unsolved case has been immense, with loved ones left grappling with unanswered questions and unrelenting sorrow.
Greater Manchester Police have continued to urge witnesses with any information to come forward, releasing images of the aftermath of the fire in the hopes of sparking new leads. The head of the Cold Case Unit stressed the urgency of finding those responsible for the deaths of Vikki and Rhona, emphasising the unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the families and friends left behind. Despite the passage of time, the plea for closure and accountability in this heartbreaking case remains as strong as ever.
The loss of Vikki Preston and Rhona Schofield in such a senseless and violent manner serves as a stark reminder of the enduring pain that accompanies unresolved tragedies. The families, friends, and communities touched by their lives continue to seek solace and justice, holding onto hope that one day the truth will come to light and those responsible will be held accountable. As the years go by, the memory of these two young women remains a poignant symbol of the devastating impact of unsolved crimes, leaving a void that can only be filled by answers and closure. The legacy of Vikki and Rhona lives on in the hearts of those who loved them, their untold stories a somber reminder of the quest for justice that endures, even in the face of unimaginable loss.