Murdered in deadly blaze as they slept…the tragic deaths of teen pals and a mystery killer still at large 20yrs later

SLEEPING soundly side-by-side, the dreams of two best friends soon turned into a real-life nightmare when flames engulfed their room.

Vikki Preston and Rhona Schofield were “inseparable” after meeting at Kersal High School in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Photo of two teenagers in a tent.
Vikki Preston and Rhona Schofield were killed in a deliberate house fireCredit: MEN Media
Fire-damaged room with a charred chair.
Flames engulfed the property as the best friends sleptCredit: Greater Manchester Police
Fire-damaged wooden floor.
An untouched area of flooring where Rhona had tried to crawl to safetyCredit: Greater Manchester Police

Tragically, they became bonded in death as well as life when the 19-year-olds were horrifically killed in a deliberate house fire.

Next month marks the 20 year anniversary of their brutal murder – with Vikki and Rhona’s killer still on the loose.

Greater Manchester Police made several arrests during their investigation but no charges have ever been brought.

Chillingly, officers are certain the culprit – or culprits – lit the fire that night to kill.

The disturbing tale began on May 10, 2005, after both Vikki and Rhona had gone to sleep in a first floor bedroom.

A mystery killer entered the terraced home between 3.40am and 4.10am through the front door and started a fire.

Foam-filled armchairs and sofas in a front and rear lounge quickly ignited – causing the wooden floors beneath to burn through.

Within ten minutes, the downstairs had reached temperatures of 1,000C as the windows the blew out.

Fresh air then rushed into the home and made the flames to spread to the bedroom where Rhona and Vikki were sleeping.

In a desperate bid to save them, Rhona had attempted to close the door to block out the billowing smoke.

The impression she left as she crawled across the floor was still visible after the blaze was extinguished.

Firefighters were scrambled to the scene within minutes of the alarm being raised and battled to rescue the girls.

Tragically, neither could be saved and were both declared dead at the scene after inhaling toxic fumes.

Soot-damaged teddy bear with a red and green plaid bow.
The killer has crept into the home in the dead of nightCredit: Greater Manchester Police
A fire-damaged row of brick houses with a firetruck and police officer present.
Both girls died from inhaling toxic fumesCredit: MEN Media

Experts proved the fire was started deliberately – leading to police launching a murder probe.

But the intensity of the flames had destroyed any potential forensic evidence.

At an inquest in 2007, a breakthrough came when the circumstances leading up to the horror were revealed.

The court was told a series of rows had broken out at the address between a group of people including Rhona and Vikki.

They both remained at the home, while the others who were with them all left for the night.

One woman, who was pregnant at the time, had allegedly told the two teenagers she was “going to kill them”.

Police managed to identify two prime suspects but without any evidence, they have never been charged.

In 2021, they released a series of haunting images showing the devastation of the fire.

A scorched teddy bear was among the items left intact after flames gutted the home.

An area of flooring where Rhona tried to drag herself to safety also remained untouched.

The downstairs of the property was left blackened by soot – with the shell of an armchair that was torched still visible.

But even the chilling sight of the home where both girls died was not enough to prompt anyone to come forward.

Photo of a young person with red hair.
Vikki’s family have previously pleaded for informationCredit: Greater Manchester Police
Young girl singing into a toy microphone.
Rhona’s parents died without ever getting justiceCredit: Greater Manchester Police

Tragically, Rhona’s dad Peter Schofield had to identify his daughter – a torment he lived with for the rest of his life.

He passed away in October 2013, followed by Rhona’s mum Doreen six years later.

Both went to their graves without ever managing to get justice for their daughter.

In 2016, Jacqueline, Vikki’s mother, expressed her hopes to the Manchester Evening News: “In my lifetime, I hope I see justice. There are individuals who are aware of the perpetrators. Their alliances are misplaced.

She further added, “I often ponder where Vikki would be today; would she be married, would she have blessed us with grandchildren? Regrettably, we will never find out due to someone’s sheer self-centeredness.”

The investigation into Vikki and Rhona’s murders remains open 20 years later.

The head of the GMP’s Cold Case Unit, Martin Bottomley, conveyed to The Sun Online, “It is highly probable that a resident within this community possesses knowledge about the events that transpired and the motives behind targeting that specific house.

“What we need is a witness that will tell us in a statement what they know.

“The pain and heartbreak that Vikki and Rhona’s family and friends have had to go through is unimaginable.

“We will never give up searching for answers, and we’re determined to find those responsible for the girls’ deaths and bring them to justice.

“A £50,000 reward remains on offer for information leading to their arrest and conviction.”

Anyone with information can call GMP on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Fire-damaged room with a fireplace and charred furniture.
The living room was left completely gutted by the fireCredit: Greater Manchester Police
Fire-damaged staircase.
A £50,000 reward has been offered for informationCredit: Greater Manchester Police
You May Also Like

Guess who this iconic singer from the ’80s, born with a unique trait, looks completely different during a rare public appearance.

Supporters of a well-known band from the ’70s and ’80s were taken…

Tragic news: 4-year-old child discovered dead in hot car, the 8th such incident this year.

Georgia authorities are investigating after a 4-year-old boy died on Sunday as…

Jake Paul angrily leaves Piers Morgan’s TV interview after making a harsh comment.

During a heated interview with Piers Morgan, Jake Paul abruptly ended the…

Mother of Cambridge graduate, 23, who rejected chemotherapy before dying of cancer believes doctors misled her daughter and denies she had lymphoma.

A notorious conspiracy theorist is under fire for allegedly pressuring her dying…

Shocking Event: Person in Divorce Battle Sets Subway Train on Fire During Busy Commute, Injuring Commuters

THIS is the terrifying moment an “angry divorcee” flooded a packed tube…

Kim Jong-un set to visit North Korea’s newly opened amusement park, likened to ‘Benidorm’, with British tourists eager to visit.

See how Kim Jong Un inspects the “North Korean Benidorm,” set to…

Wendi Deng Smiles as Tom Brady Charms Her at Bezos Wedding Celebrations

During Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding festivities this week, Tom Brady…

Diddy Shines as the “Baron of Baby Oil” at Peak Performance During State’s Closing

During the closing arguments of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial, a U.S. prosecutor…

My experience as a problem-solver for top Premier League teams, revealing the secret lives of their players and the challenging situations I faced.

Working with footballers can lead to some unexpected discoveries. A player liaison…

Celebrity guests at Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos’ event take cover from unexpected thunderstorm before the wedding.

The pre-wedding party of Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos, attended by A-list…

The last TV appearance of Liam Payne on Netflix’s show ‘Building The Band’ is uncovered

Netflix’s Building The Band reveals Liam Payne’s last TV appearance Revealed, featuring his…

Terrifying incident where worker is struck by a massive 18-wheeler, causing him to hang upside down from a basket above a bustling road

An 18-wheeler crashed into a utility worker in a terrifying incident that…